A couple of months ago, I was peer pressured into downloading the app Letterboxd. Letterboxd is a platform for sharing your taste in films and is full of reviews from movie junkies and even actors themselves. The app includes the feature of being able to follow people you know, allowing you to see what they really thought of a new movie. You can rate and review films as well as list your top four films of all time on your profile, giving any social media stalkers you might have a look inside your brain.Â
Since downloading this app, I have become much more interested in movies. I have always been someone who claims to prefer TV shows to movies because “my attention span isn’t long enough to sit through an entire movie” (even though I can easily binge four hours worth of a good series). However, reading funny reviews on Letterboxd has encouraged me to actually watch some of the films that are being talked about on the app. So, over winter break, I saw five new movies, four of which I watched in theaters.Â
Now, I don’t think I’ve been to movie theaters that frequently ever in my life, and definitely not since before COVID. But I was a regular at the theater in my hometown this past holiday break. And let me tell you, they have really stepped it up there. I used to associate movie theaters with uncomfortable seats, sticky floors, and overflowing trash cans. And maybe that was just because the movie theater in my town wasn’t all that great. But now they have reclining, heated seats, refillable popcorn, and a soda machine with more options than you could even imagine. It’s safe to say I had a much better experience there this time around.Â
The films that I saw over break ranged in genre, length and quality. I just want to make it clear that I am no film critic, but since I do have a Letterboxd account now, I feel qualified enough to at least share my personal reviews about these movies with you.Â
“Anyone But You”
This edgy comedy and modern take on William Shakespeare’s “Much Ado About Nothing” follows Bea (Sydney Sweeney) and Ben (Glen Powell) as they portray the classic “fake dating” trope. I would consider myself a rom-com aficionado, and this one hit the sweet spot. Definitely not the best movie I’ve ever seen, but worth the watch. It’s sure to make you both laugh and cringe and get all warm and fuzzy. I just love a good rom-com.
3.5/5 stars
“The Iron Claw”
Telling the true story of the inseparable Von Erich brothers (Zac Efron, Jeremy Allen White, Harris Dickinson and Stanley Simons), who made history in the intensely competitive world of professional wrestling in the early 1980s, “The Iron Claw” is a powerfully emotional movie with some outstanding acting in support of a very sad real-life story. Through tragedy and triumph, under the shadow of their domineering father and coach, the brothers seek larger-than-life immortality on the biggest stage in sports. This one is a tearjerker for sure, but in the best way. I was definitely ugly crying in the theater, but I was in good company with everyone else in there. Some of my favorite Letterboxd reviews called it “Little Women for boys,” and “a suplex to the heart, a power bomb to the soul.” In my expert opinion, Zac Efron deserves an Oscar for this one.Â
4.5/5 stars
“Wonka”
This movie was actually better than I expected. I was expecting to be icked out by TimothĂ©e Chalamet singing and dancing on an 80-foot screen in front of me—and don’t get me wrong, I definitely was—but it had a charm and creativity to it that shouldn’t be ignored. This film follows the story of a young Willy Wonka (Chalamet) on his journey of following his dream of becoming a chocolatier. The demonstration of complete creativity was both bizarre and captivating and was so precisely tied together with its fascinating characters. As long as you go in ready to take it on its own terms, “Wonka” is a funny, heartwarming musical that dreams up a new origin story for a classic character.Â
3/5 stars
“Saltburn”
Troubled by his classmate’s unfortunate living situation, wealthy Oxford student Felix (Jacob Elordi) invites Oliver (Barry Keoghan) to stay at his estate for the summer, but a series of horrifying events soon engulf Felix’s eccentric family. This film is a spectacularly crafted masterpiece, a satire of wealth and extravagance that simultaneously works to slowly peel back the layers of each character, scene by scene. “Saltburn” is definitely controversial, as it includes several rather provocative scenes. Although it’s not for everyone, I was fully enthralled by the story, relationships and cinematography.
4/5 stars
“Mean Girls”
A new twist on the modern classic, this film was a decent mix between the 2004 film and the Broadway musical. If you aren’t prepared for a musical, you are going to be taken aback. Maybe I didn’t love this movie, but it was fun! I enjoyed comparing it to the original 2004 film and appreciated the Gen-Z-ification of it. ReneĂ© Rapp is insanely talented and carried the movie.Â
3/5 stars