1238. Tenet

Tenet 
2020
Directed by Christopher Nolan

I was surprised to learn that this movie wasn't based on a video game. Even calling the main character "The Protagonist" is very video game-y. Since I wasn't playing this, I found it to be rather tedious. Also, I don't like time travel stories, which never seem to invite deep thought.

A secret agent capable of manipulating the flow of time attempts to prevent a catastrophic attack. And naturally there is a damsel in distress, and a super villain played by a well-respected British actor. 

Why do action movies have to be so long? I didn't find this movie particularly interesting. That being said, there were some cool touches placed that stylized the universe, like the backward speech and unique action scenes. 

But there were enough familiar action tropes to stop this from being truly unique, even if it was very polished.

RATING: ***--

Interesting Facts:

Only used practical effects. 

The main cast learned to speak backwards for their roles.

Robert Pattinson based on his accent on Christopher Hitchens.

1237. Saint Maud

Saint Maud
2019
Directed by Rose Glass

I am perfectly content watching bad horror movies. My siblings and I spend an inordinate amount of time watching films that range from the sort of okay to the truly dreadful. I think this was needlessly upsetting at some moments, but it sure freaked me out. Probably because the object of the religious zealot obsession was an atheist named Amanda.

Maud is a private geriatric nurse caring for Amanda, a terminally ill former dancer that is reasonably embittered by her fate. Maud resolves to save her soul. I think I had a friend like this in high school, she promised to put in a good word for me at the pearly gates.

When you combine religious fervor with at home nurse care, it's pretty unsettling. This movie felt like a blend of Misery meets Carrie.  The lead gave a terrifying performance equal to Kathy Bates. Great final moment as well.

I guess it is replacing Hereditary on the List to represent modern horror. Hereditary is more chilling, but a pretty freaky addition nonetheless.

RATING: ****-

Interesting Facts:

No bible verse is recited despite the heavily religious themes in the film.

1236. Rocks

Rocks
2019
Directed by Sarah Gavron

If watching a young woman dissolve before your eyes didn't provide you with enough emotional devastation, the premise of this movie should do the trick. Actually, the story turned out to be more uplifting than I thought it would be. It didn't wallow it in its own misery like other films that tackle these topics. Not that there isn't sufficient misery out there to wallow in, but it's a pretty rough way of spending your time.

A single mother abandons her children, leaving Rocks to take care of her little brother. Rocks does her best to avoid being taken into child services.

Usually in movies like this there is maybe one white counselor who cares, and the rest of the world cruelly abandons the main character. This time, Rocks did have people who cared about her. Unfortunately, her mom was not one of them. 

Rocks was a heart-warming character, and I love any story that takes place in London. So an unexpected pleasure.

RATING: ****-

Interesting Facts:

Crew consisted of 75% women.