Formulaic but fun with good chemistry between the characters.
source https://letterboxd.com/jballison/film/dungeons-dragons-honor-among-thieves/
Infernal Affairs III, 2003 – ★★★½
Really dig the story of Ming losing himself in wanting to be the good guy but the plotting is a bit all over the place. It was nice to have both Leung and Lau back to close out the series and as a whole it is still up in my favourites due to how strong the first two movies are.
source https://letterboxd.com/jballison/film/infernal-affairs-iii/
Infernal Affairs II, 2003 – ★★★★
Love seeing the history and expansion of the world but it’s also not as compelling as INFERNAL AFFAIRS. Still highly recommend it though for the world building and the twists and turns.
source https://letterboxd.com/jballison/film/infernal-affairs-ii/
Infernal Affairs, 2002 – ★★★★★
Been about a decade since I watched all three movies in the series in one night. It became one of my favourites right then. Watching it now, the first still stands up. I love the in your face nature of THE DEPARTED but I am a bigger fan of the cat and mouse game in INFERNAL AFFAIRS and how it feels much more subtle.
source https://letterboxd.com/jballison/film/infernal-affairs/
Cloud, 2024 – ★★★½
Enjoyed it but it didn’t really come together fully for me. Some of the motivations were lost on me for this first watch. I will give it another go in the future. Still worth watching if you’re a fan of Kiyoshi Kurosawa.
Zu: Warriors from the Magic Mountain, 1983 – ★★★★
Don’t know if its as crazy as THRILLING BLOODY SWORD (my number one pick for krazy martial arts flick) but it sure is crazy and a lot of fun.
source https://letterboxd.com/jballison/film/zu-warriors-from-the-magic-mountain/
Ninja: Shadow of a Tear, 2013 – ★★★★
The world needs more Scott Adkins’s Ninja movies. I love how the fight scenes don’t rely on cuts but on actual good fighting.
source https://letterboxd.com/jballison/film/ninja-shadow-of-a-tear/
The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim, 2024 – ★★★
Doesn’t really take the world to new places and feels like it could be any generic fantasy world. It’s not terrible but just doesn’t achieve much either.
source https://letterboxd.com/jballison/film/the-lord-of-the-rings-the-war-of-the-rohirrim/
It Doesn’t Get Any Better Than This, 2023
Saskatoon Fantastic screening
source https://letterboxd.com/jballison/film/it-doesnt-get-any-better-than-this/
Conclave, 2024 – ★★★★
Very solid drama with good performances and thriller overtones but doesn’t really go deep into thriller territory.
Nosferatu, 2024 – ★★★★
Enjoyed it a fair amount. First half felt a bit clinical to me for some reason. I would like to have a bit more time character moments in the first half. Really dug everything once it got to the city. I do need to revisit both Herzog’s and Murnau’s versions.
source https://letterboxd.com/jballison/film/nosferatu-2024/
Eyes Wide Shut, 1999 – ★★★★★
I’m still not sure that at the end of the movie Tom Cruise has learned much but I also think that is the point.
source https://letterboxd.com/jballison/film/eyes-wide-shut/
Brazil, 1985 – ★★★★½
First rewatch since seeing it years and years ago. It’s been a weekend of watching some quirky and weird movies and I totally dig how much paper work sucks the life out of you.
I need to revisit The Adventures of Baron Munchasen and Time Bandits to see if I still prefer them over this.
Gremlins, 1984 – ★★★★½
Great experience watching it again in the theatre with kids around giggling at all the scary parts.
The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2, 1986 – ★★★
Finally decided to watch this. I knew going in that it likely wouldn’t be for me. It gets points for totally going in a different direction with the black comedy but I was right. This isn’t for me. A lot of the humour doesn’t connect with my tastes.
source https://letterboxd.com/jballison/film/the-texas-chainsaw-massacre-2/
How the Grinch Stole Christmas!, 1966 – ★★★★★
The perfect christmas special.
source https://letterboxd.com/jballison/film/how-the-grinch-stole-christmas/
Dead Leaves, 2004 – ★★★★
Seriously, what the hell did I just watch.
Speed Racer, 2008 – ★★★★½
Forgot how good this actually is. The acid trip spectacle of it all is amazing.
The Hateful Eight, 2015 – ★★★½
Following up with a watch after DJANGO UNCHAINED, HATEFUL EIGHT feels very slow paced. Lots of good tension and fun characters but it takes time too much time moving forward at some points. I agree this is Tarantino’s weakest film but it still a good movie but just not as good as his others.
source https://letterboxd.com/jballison/film/the-hateful-eight/
Django Unchained, 2012 – ★★★★½
YouTube has been showing me clips of DJANGO UNCHAINED for the past little while so it was finally time for the first rewatch since seeing it in the theatre. I know Tarantino riffs on so many classic films but that doesn’t impact my enjoyment at all. I loved the rewatch and I am going to have to revisit HATEFUL EIGHT also. I am torn on how I feel about it being written and directed by Tarantino. I have nothing against him but this wasn’t his story to tell.
source https://letterboxd.com/jballison/film/django-unchained/
Werewolves, 2024 – ★★½
I had heard a few good things so I decided why not and the werewolf suits/effects and the gore effects are done really well. But the rest of the movie is dumb and generic plus what the hell is with all lens flares. At least it stopped with the strobing lights. I have seen way worse movies but this one is dumb with some of the plot points made me groan in pain.
source https://letterboxd.com/jballison/film/werewolves-2024/
Chime, 2024 – ★★★★
Perfect tension building all the while feeling mundane. I’ve loved and will continue to love everything Kiyoshi Kurosawa does.
The One-Armed Swordsman, 1967 – ★★★★
Even though it is still a bit gimmicky in its concept and the clasping weapons this Is more of a heroes journey and rebuilding of oneself than a straight up fun Kung-fu flick when compared to a bunch of other Shaw Brothers flicks. I prefer the fight scenes in many of the others more but I really enjoyed how this felt different.
source https://letterboxd.com/jballison/film/the-one-armed-swordsman/
Heavy Traffic, 1973 – ★★★★
Much more mature than FRITZ THE CAT while still being graphic and offensive. Loved the visual style of merging real life with animation. The story also felt less all over the place.
Fritz the Cat, 1972 – ★★★½
Really dug the art style and the satire of the oblivious lead wandering through experiences. Does feel a bit too disjointed for my tastes.
Battles Without Honor and Humanity: Final Episode, 1974 – ★★★★
A satisfying conclusion to the series. The entire series is much less about who wins at the end and who has the power but much more about how honour has real place in a society based on crime and violence but purports to be honourable.
source https://letterboxd.com/jballison/film/battles-without-honor-and-humanity-final-episode/
The Return, 2024 – ★★★½
Solid adaptation of the end of Homer’s Odyssey with a focus on regret and violence. Very much grounded without any real mention of the gods and what kept Odysseus from returning home. I very much appreciate the more realistic tone but would also love a good mythical version.
source https://letterboxd.com/jballison/film/the-return-2024/
Battles Without Honor and Humanity: Police Tactics, 1974 – ★★★★
Pretty much the entire running time is the war amongst the Yakuza and the downfall of the leaders from the first three movies. It’s solid and compelling but not as twisting as the first three movies as the war plays out to a logical conclusion once the Police get involved.
It also focuses and spells it out more plainly on the benefits of being a leader and how the society preys on the yakuza who do not have power plus also how they dealt with leaders who were in it for themselves.
On a side note it took me until the 3rd movie to realize the series is from the eventual Director of BATTLE ROYALE.
source https://letterboxd.com/jballison/film/battles-without-honor-and-humanity-police-tactics/
Battles Without Honor and Humanity: Proxy War, 1973 – ★★★★
Totally invested to see if Hirono survives and eventually becomes the boss. This one took a very interesting turn in who he ends up allying with. It feels like the next movie should wrap everything up so I am very curious to see how it plays out over two movies.
source https://letterboxd.com/jballison/film/battles-without-honor-and-humanity-proxy-war/
American Ninja 2: The Confrontation, 1987 – ★★★½
Haven’t seen this one since it came out on home video. I saw the original in the movie theatre. I only remembered the general plot going in. Comparing it to the first it’s much more over the top and it is actually a bit more fun, but it feels less like a movie about ninjas and even more of a cheesy James Bond knock off with 80s action martial arts (ie. low key silly fun fights). I would love to see this and the first remade with more modern style fighting.
source https://letterboxd.com/jballison/film/american-ninja-2-the-confrontation/
Le Samouraï, 1967 – ★★★★★
One of the coolest hitman stories I’ve ever seen with a tonne of low key style. Loved the simple story and the generally grey palette. I can feel the French new wave influences but it feels very much like its own thing. Has taken me way too long to get around to seeing this.
The Magic Blade, 1976 – ★★★★
Fun Shaw Brothers flick with some crazy killers. I also think it’s the first Shaw Brothers movie I’ve ever seen with nudity. Bonus points for Devil Grandma.
source https://letterboxd.com/jballison/film/the-magic-blade/
And God Said to Cain, 1970 – ★★★½
Good gunfights, fun idea with the caves, and great atmosphere with the oncoming storm. Can feel the horror touches. Lost me a bit with the melodrama acting of the son and father but overall a fun spaghetti western.
source https://letterboxd.com/jballison/film/and-god-said-to-cain/
Species II, 1998 – ★★★
It’s hard to imagine the amount of money at the time that Hollywood put behind the making of this. Way more gorier and way more hornier the original. Still suffers from stupid dialogue and it drags a bit in the middle but damn it sure is a bit of a horny gory spectacle.
Species, 1995 – ★★★
I wonder how I would feel about this, if I had watched it in the 90s. Watching it now for the first time it feels like a pretty generic sci-fi, action, horror with a good cast but some bad dialogue. I am curious about the sequel as I’ve heard it’s kinda crazy so I will give it a chance also.
Battles Without Honor and Humanity: Deadly Fight in Hiroshima, 1973 – ★★★★
Like the first movie, I feel this will continue to grow on me with rewatches. Love the main driving story plus there is so much going on with all the characters and how they tie together.
source https://letterboxd.com/jballison/film/battles-without-honor-and-humanity-deadly-fight-in-hiroshima/
Arabella: Black Angel, 1989 – ★★★
Sleazy soft core porn with a so so Giallo story. Spoiled itself about 2/3 of the way through but I still enjoyed the bizarre twists and turns.
source https://letterboxd.com/jballison/film/arabella-black-angel/
Battles Without Honor and Humanity, 1973 – ★★★★
Great start to the series and what a wicked ending. Looking forward to diving into all the movies over the next bit. I am also going to guess that the star rating for this one will go up upon rewatch as I can dive deeper into the world and have a better feeling for all the characters that come and go.
source https://letterboxd.com/jballison/film/battles-without-honor-and-humanity/
Buddha’s Palm, 1982 – ★★★½
Fun and crazy but I do prefer movies like THRILLING BLOODY SWORD and MAGIC OF SPELL. This one didn’t flow as well for me but if you want some crazy magic and kung it is more than worth checking out.
She Killed in Ecstasy, 1971 – ★★★
Lots of style and love the score but it gets a bit repetitive as she goes through her vengeance.
source https://letterboxd.com/jballison/film/she-killed-in-ecstasy/
Go for Broke, 1985 – ★★★½
Goes a bit longer than it should but love the concept of high school seven samurai where the samurai are girls. Is both silly fun and nasty violent.
source https://letterboxd.com/jballison/film/go-for-broke-1985/
Hercules, 1983 – ★★★
Pretty cheesy and fun in its own quirky way but also pretty bad. Most important question is why does Hercules throw things into space after winning a fight.
The Great Silence, 1968 – ★★★★
Wish I didn’t know going in about it. This would have been amazing as a blind watch.
source https://letterboxd.com/jballison/film/the-great-silence/
The Apple, 1980 – ★★★½
Has all the makings of true cult classic if only some of the songs were better or shorter and if it would have ended better than it did. It’s still definitely a spectacle.
If You Meet Sartana Pray for Your Death, 1968 – ★★★
Pretty straight forward double crossing spaghetti western. A bit of fun but nothing consequential. I am curious about the rest of the Sartana films.
source https://letterboxd.com/jballison/film/if-you-meet-sartana-pray-for-your-death/
From Beijing with Love, 1994 – ★★★½
A James Bond spoof that says it’s not a James Bond spoof with lots of silly humour plus some over the top violence. I really should watch more classic Stephen Chow movies.
source https://letterboxd.com/jballison/film/from-beijing-with-love/
Transformers: Rise of the Beasts, 2023 – ★★★½
Too much focus on the humans for the beginning but once it got going I actually enjoyed this a fair amount. I am very curious if they do make a cross over movie that the ending hints strongly at.
source https://letterboxd.com/jballison/film/transformers-rise-of-the-beasts/
They Call Me Trinity, 1970 – ★★★
For what should be a silly fun western it drags more than I like.
source https://letterboxd.com/jballison/film/they-call-me-trinity/
Singham Again, 2024 – ★★½
Cheesy acting and plotting that makes the Fast and the Furious movies seem smart should keep me from liking it but I was never bored or annoyed at it. It just sure is dumb.
The Man from Hong Kong, 1975 – ★★★½
I went in with too high of expectations but it is still a fun James Bond martial arts riff. The dialogue has not ages well.
source https://letterboxd.com/jballison/film/the-man-from-hong-kong/
Humanoids from the Deep, 1980 – ★★★½
Bleak and grimy with lots of men in fish suits and a women in bikinis that come off in the attacks. I would have preferred it if it was more campy.
source https://letterboxd.com/jballison/film/humanoids-from-the-deep/
Terrifier 3, 2024 – ★★★
Didn’t do much for me this time. It has a few moments that are really good but it was less risky and there for less interesting than the second and didn’t feel like it was swinging for a home run this time.
Don 2, 2011 – ★★★
So much of this doesn’t make sense. I get trying to combine Oceans 11, Die Hard, and Misssion Impossible but this just fails with the twists and who is and isn’t a hero.
The Shadow Strays, 2024 – ★★★½
Excellent ultra-violent fight scenes but the movie puts the lead in spots that she should not have survived. I’d probably be more forgiving if I watched this with a crowd as the action would play really well but by myself I kept getting frustrated with the story.
source https://letterboxd.com/jballison/film/the-shadow-strays/
The Train, 1964 – ★★★★½
How have I never seen this powerful, sad, action packed war movie.
Kwaidan, 1964 – ★★★★½
Didn’t know what to expect going in. For some reason I even thought it was in black and white. Such a beautiful looking movie. Much more fable based than horror based and that is okay. Not every ghost story has to be scare.
Feels like a cross between a play and epic movie. It is a cinematic achievment with an otherworldly feel to it.
Big Trouble in Little China, 1986 – ★★★★★
Theatrical rewatch. Good way to take a break from festival work.
source https://letterboxd.com/jballison/film/big-trouble-in-little-china/2/
Borderlands, 2024 – ★
Bad script, bad action, obvious story beats, terrible tweaks of the characters. If it was just a bad movie I could give it somewhat of a pass but Borderlands 2 is probably my favourite video game ever and the other games rank up there also. Borderlands 2 has one of the best villains in any video game and Roth decides to go with generic boring bad guys.
source https://letterboxd.com/jballison/film/borderlands-2024/
The Substance, 2024 – ★★★★½
Seriously out Cronenbergs Cronenberg and out Yuznas Yuzna.
Not for the faint of heart who aren’t willing to experience something different that will challenge you. It’s not a complex movie but it has so much to say about the entertainment industry, the way men see women, and the way women see themselves.
Transformers One, 2024 – ★★★½
Better than any of the live action movies but I had a hard time getting past the voices. Best part of the movie though was sitting near the teen who was cheering and bouncing in their seat at the big moments. They were so into it.
source https://letterboxd.com/jballison/film/transformers-one/
Friday the 13th Part VIII: Jason Takes Manhattan, 1989 – ★★½
I do feel this is one of the worst in the series but it still has its charms. I’m not a fan of most of the kills and I get why the kept it on the boat so much but damn we need more time in New York with people around.
source https://letterboxd.com/jballison/film/friday-the-13th-part-viii-jason-takes-manhattan/1/
Caligula: The Ultimate Cut, 2023 – ★★★★
It’s been years since watching this last and what I remember from the previous versions is the extreme moments. This still feels extreme but in a more mainstream way which is funny as I don’t think it’s mainstream at all. I really appreciate what they have done with this recreation based more on the original screenplay and was really happy to catch it on the big screen.
source https://letterboxd.com/jballison/film/caligula-the-ultimate-cut-2023/
Deadpool & Wolverine, 2024 – ★★★★
Rewatch with Gavin. I find I am sentimental when it comes to movies that reference and do paybacks to other movies both good and bad. Still not as good as the first two but the references get me.
source https://letterboxd.com/jballison/film/deadpool-wolverine/1/
Southern Comfort, 1981 – ★★★★
Up there with the other classic Vietnam war flicks even though it takes place in the Louisiana bayou.
source https://letterboxd.com/jballison/film/southern-comfort/
Heavens: The Boy and His Robot, 2023
Watched on Saturday July 27, 2024.
source https://letterboxd.com/jballison/film/heavens-the-boy-and-his-robot/
Killer Constable, 1980 – ★★★★
In stark contrast to AVENGING EAGLE, this one nails down a darker vibe with grittier action. It’s nice to see it receive the recognition now that it deserves.
source https://letterboxd.com/jballison/film/killer-constable/
Evol, 2023
Watched the first three episode at Fantasia. Might watch the rest when I get the chance.
Don’t Call it Mystery, 2023
Watched on Friday July 26, 2024.
source https://letterboxd.com/jballison/film/dont-call-it-mystery-2023/
Deadpool & Wolverine, 2024 – ★★★★
Almost as fun as the previous movies. The cameos are pretty smart and add to the fun. High point is the end credits and what they highlight for me.
source https://letterboxd.com/jballison/film/deadpool-wolverine/
Darkest Miriam, 2024
Watched on Thursday July 25, 2024.
source https://letterboxd.com/jballison/film/darkest-miriam-2024/
Chainsaws Were Singing, 2024
Watched on Wednesday July 24, 2024.
source https://letterboxd.com/jballison/film/chainsaws-were-singing/
The Beast Within, 2024
Watched on Monday July 22, 2024.
source https://letterboxd.com/jballison/film/the-beast-within-2024/
Meanwhile on Earth, 2024
Watched on Monday July 22, 2024.
source https://letterboxd.com/jballison/film/meanwhile-on-earth-2024/
A Chinese Ghost Story II, 1990 – ★★★★
Wow. So much stuff in here. Did not see the giant centipede coming. Lots of fun.
source https://letterboxd.com/jballison/film/a-chinese-ghost-story-ii/
The Count of Monte-Cristo, 2024
Watched on Friday July 19, 2024.
source https://letterboxd.com/jballison/film/the-count-of-monte-cristo-2024/
Longlegs, 2024 – ★★★★
Love the atmosphere and the mystery of it all. My only gripe which lowers it down is that they say how no one was there when the murders happened but that obviously was not the case. That story problem is still not enough to make me really enjoy it.
