Rediscovering the Cinema Experience
Recently, I resumed my visits to the cinema after a long hiatus that began before the COVID-19 pandemic and the rise of smartphone distractions. My initial reluctance stemmed from the discomfort of sharing the cinematic experience with a diverse audience and the added interference of personal screens. However, earlier this year, I spontaneously decided to watch “A Complete Unknown.” This experience rekindled my appreciation for the immersive quality of the big screen, encouraging me to treat myself to more movie outings as a needed respite from the current state of affairs. Below are my summarized reviews of the films I viewed in March.
Review of “Last Breath”
On March 11, 2025, I watched “Last Breath” in the theater and awarded it an A-. Woody Harrelson’s captivating performance played a significant role in this rating, but the film’s engaging narrative—reportedly based on real events—also impressed me. It skillfully maintained tension with minimal unnecessary content, enveloping the viewer in a claustrophobic atmosphere that ultimately leaves one appreciating the simple pleasure of fresh air.
Review of “Black Bag”
On March 21, 2025, I saw “Black Bag” in theaters, giving it a grade of C+ or perhaps B-. Despite my fondness for Steven Soderbergh’s work, this particular film failed to resonate with me. The most memorable moments were those featuring Michael Fassbender, who effortlessly navigated serene water scenes that were so tranquil I could have watched them endlessly.
Review of “Novocaine”
On March 25, 2025, I viewed “Novocaine” and rated it a B-. This score largely reflects the charm of lead actor Jack Quaid, who clearly inherited charisma from his parents, Meg Ryan and Dennis Quaid. However, I found the film overly lengthy and repetitive, featuring too many climactic moments while lacking originality in its depiction of the protagonist’s medical issues.
Review of “The Substance”
On March 29, 2025, I rented “The Substance” on DVD from the Ukiah library, awarding it a solid A-. The strength of the film was primarily evident in the first three-quarters, which blended inventiveness, humor, and genuine horror. While the initial brutality served a purpose, the final segment felt excessively harsh, lacking justification other than to provide a shocking conclusion. The movie conveys a meaningful message about aging gracefully, though it contrasts sharply with Jamie Lee Curtis’s portrayal in “The Last Showgirl,” which delivers its message without resorting to graphic violence. If you prefer a blunt reminder about accepting the passage of time, “The Substance” may suit you. For a more compassionate portrayal of aging, consider “The Last Showgirl.”
Reflections on Movie Memories
I fondly remember my first trip to the movies with my grandmother, who cherished her time at the cinema and continued to indulge in it well into her 80s and even 90s. For a bit of nostalgia, I’m sharing her reviews from March 2000:
3/1/2000: Attended “Wonder Days.” Good. Robert Downey Jr. is fantastic.
3/4/2000: Went out for paper, then saw “Whole Nine Yards.” Silly. Not worth the cost.
3/11/2000: Watched “Ninth Gate.” Over two hours, but well-assembled. Unsatisfying ending. Saw “Not One Less.” Chinese film, very good. Story about a very impoverished village. Watched “Erin Brockovich.” (No review provided, which always puzzled me.)
3/11/2000: “Holy Smoke.” Featuring Kate Winslet and Harvey Keitel. Therapy gets to him.
These snippets of my grandmother’s cinematic adventures paint a picture of her love for the movies and offer a charming glimpse into a different era of filmgoing.
