Film 2377 - Sinners

Intro: Probably one of the cinematic event of the year, Niamh went to see it and liked it so much she wanted to bring me as well. And off we went, of course.

Film 2377: "Sinners" (2025), Ryan Coogler
Watched on: At the movies
Language: English
Watched with: Niamh
Thoughts: One of the most interesting movies I've seen so far this year: what a ride.
Although I have to admit the story takes its time to get to the juicy part, it definitely is a good ride. Yes, the first hour sees no vampire showing up whatsoever - and for a second there I was starting to think we were never getting there - but once things start to happen and everything gets in motion, it is a pleasure to watch. One of the highlights for me (watching this mvovie in Ireland) was the "Rocky Road to Dublin" musical number: very unexpected, extremely well executed and somehow perfectly fitting in the story.
The cast is solid, I'm a sucker for Michael B. Jordan (with whom I share my birthday Feb. 9, 1987) and he's great here, as usual. I wish Hollywood would give him more chances like this one and, to be honest, more awards. Wunmi Mosaku was a marvellous surprise, she's a scene stealer. I saw her before in "His House" and "Loki" and she's so magnetic you can't take your eyes off of her. Happy to see Hailee Steinfeld in something new for her, she's so talented, but she needs more projects like this one.
Overall, an amazing cinematic experience.
Cast: Michael B. Jordan, Hailee Steinfeld, Miles Caton, Jack O'Connell, Wunmi Mosaku, Jayme Lawson, Omar Miller, Delroy Lindo.
Box Office: $365.9 million
Worth a watch?: It takes a moment to get to the horror bits (the movie is 137 minutes long), but once it gets there there's no turning back. Not your usual Hollywood scary movie, but a well made, constructed and narrated story, with an amazing cast and stunning visuals. I hope it gets its flowers at the Oscars (but the ceremony is still so far away...).
Awards: /
Key word: Juke joint.
Trailer
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Bengi

Film 2373 - The Monkey

Intro: I was curious to watch this movie, especially because it's a horror + it seemed the critics enjoyed it, so when I got a chance I gave it a go.

Film 2373: "The Monkey" (2025), Osgood Perkins
Watched on: My computer
Language: English
Watched with: No one
Thoughts: I mean, I did enjoy it overall, but the overpromising marketing campaign kinda ruined this movie for me a bit.
First, yeah I liked "Longlegs" enough, but not as much as everybody else did, so the appeal of seeing the same director returning for another hell of a ride only worked so far with me. Additionally, I'm always a bit sceptical with new projects that adapt Stephen King's body of work. They usually don't work great.
Horror movies aren't easy to make, especially these days, so kudos to "The Monkey" for offering an actual horror story. Was I blown away by the end result? No, but I did enjoy the watch. and Theo James is a good lead.
Cast: Theo James, Tatiana Maslany, Christian Convery, Colin O'Brien, Rohan Campbell, Sarah Levy, Adam Scott, Elijah Wood.
Box Office: $68.9 million
Worth a watch?: It's very gruesome and extremely detailed in portraying the various death scenes: for some people works, for others might be a bit intense. If you love the genere and Osgood Perkins's work, tho, it's a nice ride.
Awards: /
Key word: Toy.
Trailer
#HollywoodCiak
Bengi