Category: #movies

Brave souls and fellow horror movie enthusiasts! The seventh month on the Chinese calendar might be behind us, but that hasn’t stopped the creepy crawlies from emerging from the shadows. Nope, they’ve decided to make a pit stop at your local cinema, and this time, they brought some unholy fun with them!

Now, let’s talk about The Nun (2018). There was criticism that it lacked scares. But you know what? I kinda liked it. It had this eerie charm, like the awkward kid at the haunted house who’s trying really hard to spook you. Plus, it did something remarkable – it dragged the Conjuring universe out of America and into a spooky European setting. The only thing is, the story could have been a tad scarier.

But fast forward to 2023, after a pandemic that’s been scarier than any horror movie, and The Nun 2 is here to conjure up more scares. And trust me, it succeeds!

Once again, we find ourselves in a post-WWII European setting that’s so cinematic it could win an Oscar. The first kill in this movie? Brace yourselves, folks, because it’s brutally awesome!

Now, let’s address the elephant in the haunted convent – Sister Irene’s recall. I won’t mince words; it’s about as plausible as a unicorn on a skateboard. The only reason I can fathom for her recall is to have a backup “fall person” in case things go south (like Father Burke not making it out of the last haunting adventure).

Our main leads are Sister Irene, played by Taissa Farmiga, and Frenchie, portrayed by Jonas Bloquet. They’re joined by additional characters like Debra (Storm Reid, who you might remember from Invisible Man), Kate (Anna Popplewell – yes, it surprised me too!), and Sophie (Katelyn Rose Downey). It’s a team of fearless ghostbusters ready to tackle the spooks!

Speaking of spooks, the second death is also a rollercoaster of brutality, but what’s truly baffling is that nobody seems to bat an eye about it. A delivery person goes missing, and the store she worked for? Well, they apparently decided to take a coffee break from caring. But hey, we’ve seen enough horror movies to know that logic often takes a vacation in these situations.

Now, let’s get to the good stuff – the scares. They’re brilliantly designed and executed, like a chef crafting a spooky gourmet meal. This movie is a massive improvement compared to its predecessor, The Nun (2018). But here’s the catch: Don’t even attempt to look for logic. Remember the nun who emerges from the water like a scuba diver? Yeah, that moment cracked up my wife in the cinema, and it’s a reminder that sometimes, you just have to let the horror movie magic wash over you.

In conclusion, The Nun II brings the holy hauntings, heaps of hilarity, and a truckload of horror to the table. It’s a European adventure that’ll make you jump, laugh, and question your sanity (in the best way possible). So, grab your crucifix, say your prayers, and prepare to be thrilled and chilled in equal measure. Just remember, logic is for the living – in the world of The Nun, all bets are off!

A Superhero Fiesta with a Dash of Latin Flavor

Are you ready for a wild ride through the world of Blue Beetle? This film is like that one friend at the party who insists on trying all the dance moves, from the cha-cha to the moonwalk, and occasionally trips over their own feet. But hey, at least they’re having a blast! Blue Beetle is all about packing in Latin vibes, action-packed scenes, and more comic book Easter eggs than you can shake a superhero cape at. It’s like a taco with extra salsa – a little messy, a lot flavorful, and totally irresistible.

Latinidad Fiesta and Superhero Shenanigans

Picture this: Blue Beetle swoops in with a big “¡Hola!” to the Latin American experience. It’s like the cool uncle who always brings the piñata to family gatherings. But wait, there’s more! It’s not just about impressing the crowd with its suave moves; this film casually tosses nods to anti-imperialist roots without even mentioning the imperials (probably a certain star-spangled country, if you catch our drift).

Through news clips, Blue Beetle shows us the environmental destruction that fuels Silicon Valley’s tech frenzy. Imagine Latin America as the party DJ, supplying the beats for innovation while trying not to spill guacamole on the dance floor. But let’s be real, these heavy topics are dropped like party confetti – a quick dazzle, then back to the fiesta.

Trying to Play Nice, One Nod at a Time

Director Ángel Manuel Soto and writer Gareth Dunnet-Alcocer are like the party planners desperately trying to please everyone. They’ve carefully set the table with authentic Mexican-American flavor, garnished with a pan-Latino twist. Jaime Reyes’ family? They’re the life of the party, loud and loving in a way that echoes your family gatherings (minus the embarrassing stories).

And speaking of tunes, the soundtrack is a mixtape of urbano beats and classics like Selena’s “Bidi Bidi Bom Bom.” Who knew a DC superhero movie could drop a reference to El Chapulín Colorado? It’s like your favorite songs playing all at once – a little chaotic, but you’re grooving to every beat.

A Clash of Clichés and Heroic Hilarity

Now, let’s dive into the heart of Blue Beetle’s plot. Imagine a hero-origin story stumbling over its own cape while juggling cultural nods. It’s like watching a salsa dancer trying to tap dance – the moves are there, but the rhythm’s off. The film’s hero, Jaime Reyes, has his Latinidad on full display, but it’s like he’s locked in a piñata, unable to break free from clichés.

White characters mispronouncing Latin names and throwing Spanish insults? That’s like mixing up salsa with ketchup – a recipe for disaster. But wait, there’s the Reyes family, masters of resilience that would put elastic bands to shame. They’ve survived generations of chaos, making “model immigrants” look like superheroes. You can’t help but cheer for them, even if you can’t dance to their beat.

Blue Beetle: The Ultimate Latin Party Crasher

Let’s talk about our hero, Jaime Reyes. He’s got charm oozing out of every pore, but defining him beyond being a “Good Person” and Mexican American? That’s like trying to describe salsa without mentioning the spice. He’s the first in his family to graduate college, but his major’s the party elephant in the room – you keep wondering when it’ll show up.

Jaime’s got the hots for Jenny Kord, who’s also the villain’s niece. It’s like a telenovela twist in a superhero flick. But where’s his favorite music? Hobbies? Heroic mission statement? Beyond a vague “no murder” rule, he’s like a superhero in a witness protection program, keeping his secrets hidden.

Villains and Vexations: A Clash of Beliefs

Enter the villain, Carapax, a cyborg super-soldier with a grudge that could outlast a piñata. He’s like the dark cloud at the party, overshadowing Jaime’s belief in family. Carapax’s life has been a buffet of violence, courtesy of U.S. interventionism and capitalism. Imagine someone spiking the salsa with ghost peppers – the heat’s real, and it’s got history.

Carapax’s tragedy shines a spotlight on Blue Beetle’s shortcomings. It’s like finding a diamond earring in a bag of party favors – a glimmer of brilliance amid the chaos. But alas, it’s not enough to save the day, just like one great party won’t make a movie legendary.

Latinidad: Not a Party Trick

Let’s talk about the elephant in the room – Latinidad isn’t a party trick for public consumption. It’s like turning a salsa dance into a marketing gimmick. Blue Beetle tries to woo Latin audiences like a smooth talker, but the dance floor’s not always grooving. The film captures the Latin American flavor, but it’s trapped in a snow globe, safe from the real world.

The After-Party Verdict

At the end of the day, Blue Beetle’s like that guest who showed up late to the party, bringing a bowl of salsa and expecting applause. It’s a superhero flick with Latin flair, a piñata of good intentions that occasionally misses the mark. It’s got potential, like a dance floor full of potential dance partners, but it’s still finding its rhythm.

So grab your popcorn, bring your maracas, and get ready for a superhero fiesta that’s a mix of Latin beats and comic book feats. Blue Beetle might not be the superhero blockbuster we hoped for, but it’s a step in the right direction. And just like a good party, it’s all about the memories you make along the way.