Welcome to my first movie review of 2017. I know it is a little late but I have three different movies to break down. I will be reviewing "Split", "Hidden Figures", and "The Bye Bye Man." Before I get started, I'd like to give a shoutout to the Free Gamer's Alliance YouTube channel. Their videos cover everything from walkthroughs, glitches, easter eggs, and various amusing video game related content, all of which is delivered with some colorful commentary while they have buckets of fun doing it. Here is the link:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC03E6K3QHRMp7Vs0S6wHm6Q
Lets get it started with "The Bye Bye Man." Here is the trailer:
- The main idea of this movie (a spirit that you can't think the name of or say) is quite clever and could have been great if executed properly.
- There is some spectacularly terrible CGI present in the movie that takes away any potential scares
- The jump scares are super predictable.
- The acting is a new kind of terrible. It is so wooden and unbelievable that you can't get invested in them.
- Finally, the dialogue is brutal. I don't expect Shakespeare with a movie like this but it would have been nice if there was some attempt to make real sounding dialogue.
"The Bye Bye Man" had a lot of potential but ultimately fell off a cliff due to lazy execution. Skip this one, it isn't worth it.
Lets move on to "Hidden Figures." Here is the trailer:
- The acting is incredible. All three leads (Octavia Spencer, Taraji P. Henson, and Janelle Monae) all really steal the show.
- The pacing is pretty good for a drama. The movie feels shorter than it is.
- There are some great moments of comic relief which is great as this story can be rather intense at times.
- The writing is exceptional, every bit of dialogue feels really authentic.
- Finally, the importance of this movie can't be overlooked as it shares the story of people who helped make history and are largely not given the credit they deserve throughout history.
- The only thing that felt a bit forced is a romance plot line and I think that largely is due to the fact that it isn't really developed.
"Hidden Figures" is an incredible and important movie that is incredible in just about every way. I absolutely recommend seeing this in theaters.
Finally, it is time to break down "Split." Here is the trailer:
- This movie is great at building suspense. You will be on the edge of your seat the whole time.
- This movie is paced really well. It feels shorter than it is.
- The entire third act is crazy and while it does get a bit ridiculous, it is fun to watch.
- There is a bit shortly after the credits start that is quite clever.
- Finally, the thing that makes this work is James McAvoy. He gives a truly outstanding performance considering that he has to play several different "characters."
- The tone is a bit all over the place which makes the whole thing feel a bit odd.
"Split" isn't a perfect movie but it does feel like a major step up for M. Night Shyamalan. He needs to keep making suspenseful movies like this. This is a truly thrilling thriller that I recommend seeing.
Thanks for reading everyone! As usual, feel free to leave a comment but please be advised that if you read any potential comments that spoilers may be present.