mikayakatnt
Joined Oct 2019
Welcome to the new profile
We're still working on updating some profile features. To see the badges, ratings breakdowns, and polls for this profile, please go to the previous version.
Ratings400
mikayakatnt's rating
Reviews393
mikayakatnt's rating
A bizarre and original story with a few flaws. A mysterious and creepy treat for those who enjoy horror.
Lifechanger follows a serial killing shapeshifter who needs to change bodies so often or else he will die. A fun concept that can be explored in film. Yet, the implementation makes the low-budget nature of this film too obvious. From cheesy noise effects to random changes in pacing. This film tries to achieve much yet has flaws that can be suspense breaking.
Yet, I respect that this film focuses less on jumpscare and more on suspense building. The blood and guts can be toned down and the film remain powerful. Conflict feels like it's dished out to the audience instead of a more natural flow. If only the directors knew to rely less on cheaper effects for more powerful storytelling.
Acting is excellent throughout. Each character giving their own spin on the film. It's a bit tragic and sad with more emphasis on drama than horror.
2.5/5.
Lifechanger follows a serial killing shapeshifter who needs to change bodies so often or else he will die. A fun concept that can be explored in film. Yet, the implementation makes the low-budget nature of this film too obvious. From cheesy noise effects to random changes in pacing. This film tries to achieve much yet has flaws that can be suspense breaking.
Yet, I respect that this film focuses less on jumpscare and more on suspense building. The blood and guts can be toned down and the film remain powerful. Conflict feels like it's dished out to the audience instead of a more natural flow. If only the directors knew to rely less on cheaper effects for more powerful storytelling.
Acting is excellent throughout. Each character giving their own spin on the film. It's a bit tragic and sad with more emphasis on drama than horror.
2.5/5.
For the cast and topic of the film, I'm honestly surprised at how bad it was.
There were many times I had asked myself "what the hell am I watching?" and "holy crap, HE'S in this movie???" Even though the film is 2 hours long, it feels like a 3-hour movie due to how slow the plot goes. It's agony watching this film. My friends and I even joked about how bad the movie was while we were watching it.
Let's start off with the good. There are few high-budget films that examine the effects Hurricane Katrina had upon New Orleans' citizens.
The film promises much. Cut Throat City promises to examine a group of morally ambiguous men caught in a tight situation.
Brandon Cox's cinematography works for the film. It works for a film of this nature.
And the roster is astounding. This film has the likes of Terrence Howard, Wesley Snipes, TI, Eiza Gonzalez, Ethan Hawke, among others. Each time one of these characters gets onscreen, I find myself visibly astounded. RZA did a great job casting.
Now the bad.
The plot meanders and is confusing. Nothing seems to be straightforward and the film is unnecessarily complex. It's too unfocused. There doesn't seem to be a well-defined overarching arc. Each cameo can distract the audience from the main plot. Many times one has to wonder what is going on.
Blink (Shameik Moore) isn't a sympathetic protagonist. He leaves his wife and kid to commit crimes and go to strip clubs. Why even bother showing the family in the first place? Each time he has a chance to get ahead he continues to make bad decisions. He's not someone I'd expect to suddenly change for the better by the end of the film.
The "twist" feels rushed as a way to bolt on a happy ending. It's too deus ex machina-y and breaks suspension of belief.
And my biggest grievance is that nowhere in this film does anyone speak in a true "Nawlins" accent. Out of the large pool of potential actors from New Orleans, not one was selected. The "accents" in the film feel like one's idea of a generic Southern accent without giving it much thought. Shame, that this simple fix could have added so much more.
.5/5. The first film I've seen by RZA and I'm not at all impressed.
There were many times I had asked myself "what the hell am I watching?" and "holy crap, HE'S in this movie???" Even though the film is 2 hours long, it feels like a 3-hour movie due to how slow the plot goes. It's agony watching this film. My friends and I even joked about how bad the movie was while we were watching it.
Let's start off with the good. There are few high-budget films that examine the effects Hurricane Katrina had upon New Orleans' citizens.
The film promises much. Cut Throat City promises to examine a group of morally ambiguous men caught in a tight situation.
Brandon Cox's cinematography works for the film. It works for a film of this nature.
And the roster is astounding. This film has the likes of Terrence Howard, Wesley Snipes, TI, Eiza Gonzalez, Ethan Hawke, among others. Each time one of these characters gets onscreen, I find myself visibly astounded. RZA did a great job casting.
Now the bad.
The plot meanders and is confusing. Nothing seems to be straightforward and the film is unnecessarily complex. It's too unfocused. There doesn't seem to be a well-defined overarching arc. Each cameo can distract the audience from the main plot. Many times one has to wonder what is going on.
Blink (Shameik Moore) isn't a sympathetic protagonist. He leaves his wife and kid to commit crimes and go to strip clubs. Why even bother showing the family in the first place? Each time he has a chance to get ahead he continues to make bad decisions. He's not someone I'd expect to suddenly change for the better by the end of the film.
The "twist" feels rushed as a way to bolt on a happy ending. It's too deus ex machina-y and breaks suspension of belief.
And my biggest grievance is that nowhere in this film does anyone speak in a true "Nawlins" accent. Out of the large pool of potential actors from New Orleans, not one was selected. The "accents" in the film feel like one's idea of a generic Southern accent without giving it much thought. Shame, that this simple fix could have added so much more.
.5/5. The first film I've seen by RZA and I'm not at all impressed.
All My Life isn't the first romantic drama to deal with a terminal illness, yet it does so in an effective manner.
Based on a true story, it's a relatable film that's filled with humor and drama. The characters are enjoyable and the chemistry feels real. Jessica Rothe and Harry Shum Jr. Play an amazing Jennifer and Solomon. Though the timeframes can get a bit wonky and confusing, the relationship feels quite real.
Each character does something a little special to add a sense of lightheartedness to a heavy topic. The film also reminds us of how much we take our day-to-day lives and health for granted.
Yet, my main complaint is that with such a short runtime, the movie felt a bit rushed. Given more time, Marc Meyers or Todd Rosenberg could have fleshed out the characters and story more. We could have seen things more from Solomon's perspective or see more of the toll that a bad diagnosis can have on a couple.
But it's still a sweet movie that deserves praise.
3.5/5.
Based on a true story, it's a relatable film that's filled with humor and drama. The characters are enjoyable and the chemistry feels real. Jessica Rothe and Harry Shum Jr. Play an amazing Jennifer and Solomon. Though the timeframes can get a bit wonky and confusing, the relationship feels quite real.
Each character does something a little special to add a sense of lightheartedness to a heavy topic. The film also reminds us of how much we take our day-to-day lives and health for granted.
Yet, my main complaint is that with such a short runtime, the movie felt a bit rushed. Given more time, Marc Meyers or Todd Rosenberg could have fleshed out the characters and story more. We could have seen things more from Solomon's perspective or see more of the toll that a bad diagnosis can have on a couple.
But it's still a sweet movie that deserves praise.
3.5/5.