[FireGilbert]

Movies!!! Those are still a thing right?

Enola Holmes: Yet another take on a Sherlock Holmes mystery, this time based on a YA novel and starting Millie Bobby Brown as Sherlock's little sister. I enjoyed this different, feminist take on the genre with the snappy dialog, breezy pace, and lead acting creating an entertaining ride. I did notice some similarities with Captain Marvel, notably the female hero original story style using flashbacks for backstory. Hopefully this doesn't become a feminist movie trope. These flashbacks and narration were jarring at times and felt a bit Ex Machina-ish but I suppose this is a better narrative structure than giving us a lengthy introduction. The mystery itself was okay but started to get a little muddled in the 2nd act. I also liked Henry Cavill's take on Sherlock and would be interested to see this version of the character explored further. 8/10

The Lighthouse: I sometimes watch weird artistic films too! The appeal of this one is the brilliant cinematography, which really gives you a feel of isolation and claustrophobia while building tension, and the epic acting by two of the best. Pattinson's performance is especially good, giving off a Daniel Day Lewis vibe, and cementing himself as a top actor of his generation. My main criticism was there are so many themes crammed in here around isolation, guilt, male sexuality, and nautical mythology I wasn't sure how to make sense of it all and felt overwhelmed at times. 9/10

The Old Guard:A Netflix attempt to start an action franchise staring Charlize Theron. This has a good premise and the action is pretty good too, considering it does look lower budget than a typical Hollywood action flick. I just couldn't get into the story at all, being dull, predictable, and slow paced at times. Also, it really annoyed me they brought up a super intriguing plot point that was only used as sequel bait. I wish they'd just made a good standalone film instead of trying to be part 1 in a planned franchise. 5/10

Once Upon a Time... In Hollywood: There are a lot of films where I would like to see the extended directors cut. This is one where I would have preferred a 2 hour studio cut. There is the backbone of a quality film here, telling the story of an aging actor trying to find himself in a changing world and his friend looking for redemption against the backdrop of the Manson family but it is muddled with so much over indulgent filler. All the western and WWII movie references, along with the cameos, had me feeling like this was more of a Tarantino greatest hits collection than an original film. The dialog is brilliant and so was the ending although that was to be expected. 8/10

Parasite: Damn what a film, I definitely get all the hype. This starts as a really clever, almost heist film, until a massive twist takes it on the edge of your seat thrill ride towards an epic climax. Also, the themes of class struggle and parasitic relationships are explored in great details and really left an impact. This isn't a perfect film, I could nitpick plot holes and character motivations, but it's close enough for a perfect score. 10/10