Letterboxd — Your life in film

Pretty Good (72%) -> MCU Ranking (#17/27) & 2021 Ranking (#22/32)

I’m glad they didn’t go the Red Sparrow route with this and kept it character focused. The family unit at the forefront (played by an excellent cast of actors) is where the film shines most. Florence Pugh steals the show, as usual, and I hope this isn’t the last we see of her character. While it still falls into some generic trappings, Black Widow has the laughs, action, and family fun you’d expect from a standalone MCU movie, and its memorable characters help it stand out amongst the weaker films in the franchise.

Favorable (68%) -> Conjuring & Insidious Ranking(#11/12) & 2021 (#30/31)

James Wan’s direction is the main reason the first two Conjuring films work so well; so, naturally, replacing him with the director of The Curse of La Llorona is bound to go south. The scares are decent at best with no standout moments like the “clap” scene or “Valak”. Ed & Lorraine’s relationship was effectively explored in The Conjuring 2, and this third film attempts to do the same, but a few flashbacks don’t add any new layers to their bond. While the story is interesting enough, the film lacks that inventive flair to set it apart.

Pretty Good (70%) -> 2021 Ranking (22/26)

Though I’m sure her fans would love this to pieces, you don’t even need to like her music to appreciate this intimate look into her life and be blown away by how much she’s accomplished at her age. The fact that this film showcased Billie’s virtues and flaws alike made it so much more interesting and I did gain a newfound respect for her. Seeing her make these hit songs in her room with her brother just shows how anything really is possible.

Favorable (69%) -> 2021 Ranking (#23/25)

The success of a movie like this depends almost entirely on whether or not the pranks are actually funny and gladly, this checks that box. Some of the stunts pulled here are insanely wild and the reactions they’re able to get are quite hilarious. However, the central plot and scripted scenes between the characters are expectedly subpar. Luckily the pranks take up the majority of the runtime and the acting talent helps elevate the scripted material resulting in a fun ride overall.

Good (73%)

A bleak, ultra-violent portrayal of the harsh and sad realities of growing up in the hood. Some friends recommended this to me, hailing it a classic and I can definitely see the impact it has had on other media tackling this subject matter (especially GTA: San Andreas). While it has its fair share of clichés and often feels indulgent in its portrayal of violence, memorable characters and hard-hitting scenes make this a captivating and unforgettable viewing experience.

Good (77%) -> 2021 Ranking (#11/24)

This was such a claustrophobic and anxiety-inducing experience. The situation the protagonist finds herself in (stuck in a Jewish funeral service in which she runs into both her ex-girlfriend and sugar daddy) makes for plenty of awkwardness and hilarity but it's the dodging of those uncomfortable questions from family members about your unclear future plans that I related to the most. Strong performances, a witty script, and confident direction make this an overall impressive debut for Emma Seligman.