Syd-ematic Reviews

Just Mercy

June 8, 2020June 12, 2020Sydney Lee1 Comment

RATED PG-13

LEGAL DRAMA/DRAMA

MY RATING: 5/5

Watch Just Mercy | Prime Video — Photo © Participant Production Company

Wow. Can any movie be more relevant to today’s social issues? Can any movie display such a similar situation and use what’s morally right to contradict human bias? The answer is yes. Just Mercy, based on the true story of an innocent black man imprisoned for the falsely accused murder of a 18-year old white girl, features Michael B. Jordan as attorney Bryan Stevenson, Jaime Foxx as the accused Walter McMillian, and Brie Larson as Eve Ansley, Stevenson’s white assistant.

I’m sure everyone is aware of the death of George Floyd. He was a black man who allegedly tried paying with a fake dollar bill at a corner store in Minneapolis, causing the owner to call the cops on him. The police dragged Floyd out of his car and put handcuffs on him; he didn’t resist. One officer put his knee on Floyd’s neck for almost nine minutes and did so just forcefully enough to stop his breathing. Floyd continuously tried to tell the policeman that he couldn’t breathe, yet the policeman didn’t stop. Floyd died at the scene.

Such a crime deserves justice.

From incidents like these, we can see how police brutality is perpetrated by racism and discrimination against blacks. Similarly, the movie Just Mercy shows how our country responds to racial prejudice and how the white and privileged think they can treat other races “inferior” to them. A man named Walter McMillian, also known as Johnny D., is on Death Row awaiting execution for murder, despite being falsely accused. When a young Harvard lawyer comes down to the South to achieve justice for innocent prisoners, including Johnny D., he experiences racism but uses his knowledge to try to educate those who are ignorant. Throughout the movie, we learn about how high position officials had used their white authority to convict Johnny D. by forcing untruthful testimony out of false witnesses. Stevenson establishes the Equal Justice Initiative to reverse the verdict.

As a young person, I was surprised by how important the influence of race can be in America. I realized that today’s society has shaped the perception of each race differently by labeling some races as more likely to commit crimes than others. I didn’t think these discriminatory situations occurred anymore, yet black people are still being put to death when they do not deserve it. I hope our country can continue to learn from our past mistakes in order to end discrimination and set examples for future generations.

I highly recommend watching this incredible and educational film, especially in times like these. Currently, it is available for free on YouTube, Google Play, HBO, Amazon Prime, Redbox, and many other digital platforms for the month of June. Go give Just Mercy a watch–I promise you it’s worth it!

No one is born racist. It’s taught.

To All the Boys: P.S. I Still Love You

February 18, 2020June 5, 2020Sydney LeeLeave a comment

RATED TV-14

ROMANCE

MY RATING: 5/5

Everyone’s been waiting for the sequel of the first movie, To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before, hoping that it will be just as cute and romantic… and it was! I watched this movie on Valentine’s Day and although I did not have a special someone, I did have a great night watching this movie! I would say that the first movie was much better, but P.S. I Love You was also pretty cool. When the main character, Lara Jean (Lana Candor), goes steadily with her boyfriend Peter Kavinsky (Noah Centineo), a turn of events occur when one of her old crushes, John Ambrose (Jordan Fisher), comes back into her life. Throughout the story, Lara Jean finds herself torn between the two of them, but ends up following her heart and finally understands all her feelings.

I would rate this movie a 5 out of 5 because I really enjoyed the story line. It is definitely one of my favorite chick flicks. This movie reveals that when you love someone, you can fight through anything and the characters proved that. If it weren’t for the the amazing author, Jenny Han, the sequel would’ve not been made. I highly recommend you check this movie out right now, streaming on Netflix!

FROZEN II

December 1, 2019Sydney LeeLeave a comment

RATED PG

DRAMA/FANTASY

MY RATING: 4.5/5

Image result for frozen 2 — Photo @ Walt Disney Animation Studios

As everyone knows, Frozen was a sensational phenomenon that came out in 2013. Since then, everyone has been buzzing about Frozen 2 and if it will be just as great as the first one. This movie has a great plot and really emphasizes something more than a romantic interest, but why did it leave more questions unanswered? How come Frozen and Frozen 2 had basically nothing to do with each other? Are the questions intentionally unanswered and will they be answered in Frozen 3? or was it just bad planning?

Besides all the confusion, I do want to point out that I really loved all the dresses and outfits that were created for Elsa. Each time she sang a song, her outfit changed and the color/design was everything. I also want to point out that the brand new songs included in the film were amazing. Kristoff had his own solo and I feel like he deserved it.

I rate this movie a 4.5/5 because it wasn’t the best movie that it deserved a 5/5. As I have mentioned above, there are so many questions that make the story a bit confusing because we don’t know the backstory or just general questions that should’ve been answered the movie. Maybe they were supposed to be for the next sequel and if so, I can’t wait for it!

TOY STORY 4

November 27, 2019November 27, 2019Sydney LeeLeave a comment

RATED G

FANTASY/ADVENTURE

MY RATING: 4/5

Image result for toy story 4 — Photo @ Pixar Animation Studios, Disney

This movie is cute, but I don’t know exactly how I feel about this movie. I do not like the idea of continuing a series of 3 amazing movies, but it’s not bad. I watched a few minutes of the commentary and the directors said they made this movie because Woody, the main character/toy, still had his story to tell. I thought the toy stories were about all the toys, not just one, but that’s my opinion. I like that at the end, Woody found himself and realized that he didn’t need an owner to have a fulfilled life.

I would rate this movie a 4 out of 5 because I wish all the toys had a bigger story, not just one of the toys. Other than that, it was a really fun and cute movie to watch with your family. If you don’t remember the other toy story movies, do check them out!

SPIDER-MAN: FAR FROM HOME

August 11, 2019August 11, 2019Sydney LeeLeave a comment

RATED PG-13

FANTASY/ SCIENCE FICTION

MY RATING: 5/5 stars

Image result for spider man far from home — Photo © Columbia Pictures, Marvel Studios

This movie is literally the best movie ever. I’m in love and I can watch this over and over again. I’m not trying to be bias because Spider-Man is my favorite superhero, but this movie and the characters were amazing. Spider-Man, Tom Holland, is probably my favorite Spider-Man so far because he makes the movies so much better. There are so many plot twists throughout and especially at the very end of the movie. There are some really cute romantic scenes with Peter Parker and his crush, M.J. and that not only adds another story line besides action, it’s also very cute.

I would rate this movie a 9/10 because I love Spider-Man and this movie just made confirmed it even more. The reason why it’s not a 10 out of 10 is because there was this one part that was confusing. In Infinity War and Endgame, half of the population disappeared because of Thanos, including Spider-Man. In Endgame, all the people reappeared including Spider-Man, but in this movie, it’s been five years and the people who ”blipped,” were five years older. Peter Parker was part of the ”blip,” but he didn’t age, like he didn’t even leave. I’m wondering if he did disappear or not, even though I clearly remember him coming from a portal and walking towards Iron Man… Other than that, the twists and the ending really made me want to watch more. I guess I’ll just have to wait a couple more years for the next one!

ENDGAME

August 11, 2019August 11, 2019Sydney LeeLeave a comment

RATED PG-13

FANTASY/ SCIENCE FICTION

MY RATING: 5/5 stars

Image result for endgame — Photo © Marvel Studios

This movie was three hours long. It was long, but it was worth it. I’m a Marvel fan, but not those kind of fans who are obsessed with each movie. Basically, the Avengers have to end the game and save the people they love. If you watched all three of the Avenger movies, you would know what I’m talking about and Endgame literally wraps up the whole story of the Avengers and the individual stories of each of the characters.

I would rate this movie a 9.5/10 because it included many flashbacks and I thought that was super cool. The structure of the movie allowed parts of the other movies to be included and it was just really cool. As many know, Stan Lee died just before this movie was released so they dedicated the movie to him and that’s really sweet. If you’re a hard Marvel fan, this is a good movie to watch and stay tuned for Spider-man Far from Home!

CAPTAIN MARVEL

August 11, 2019August 11, 2019Sydney LeeLeave a comment

RATED PG-13

FANTASY/ SCIENCE FICTION

MY RATING: 4/5 stars

Image result for captain marvel — Photo © Marvel Studios

As many know, Captain Marvel is one of the superheroes in Marvel. She was one of the earliest heroes created, but one of the last to be made into a movie. She is a combination of many superheroes; She has the power to breathe in space and underwater with a special helmet, she is super strong, she can shoot fire from her fists, and much more.

I would rate this movie a 7/10 because the movie leaves me confused, but very eager to find out what happens next. I watched Captain Marvel when it came out on March 8, 2019 with some friends. I would say this movie is a bit confusing because of all the different missing pieces, but it was a great laugh and fun movie to watch.

AQUA-MAN

August 11, 2019August 11, 2019Sydney LeeLeave a comment

RATED PG-13

FANTASY/ SCIENCE FICTION

MY RATING: 5/5 stars

Image result for aquaman — Photo © Warner Bros. Pictures, DC Films, The Safran Company, Cruel and Unusual Films, Mad Ghosts Production

There are many reviews about this film not being the best, but personally I loved this movie. I was surprised that it would be so good, it’s probably on my top list of favorite movies! The story is great and the flow of the overall movie is really well done. I think this film has a great message that is sending the audience, which is not to be isolated from others, but to bring everyone together into a happier place.

I would rate this movie as a 9/10 just because I enjoyed this movie very much and I would re-watch it over again. If you’re looking for an action movie, this is the one.

SHAZAM!

August 11, 2019August 11, 2019Sydney LeeLeave a comment

RATED PG-13

FANTASY/ SCIENCE FICTION

MY RATING: 3/5 stars

Image result for shazam — Photo © Warner Bros. Productions, New Line Cinema, The Safran Company, DC Films, DC Entertainment Inc.

This was a weird, yet laughable movie to watch. Because I personally love Asher Angel, who plays Billy Batson, I was super stoked to watch the movie. Once I watched it, it wasn’t a disappointment, but it wasn’t a great surprise either. Some of the jokes were pretty funny, but story-line has me and my friends a bit confused. Suddenly people from all over the world enter this lair and a wizard tells them they’re not good enough? There were some moments where I almost fell out of my seat, which kind of made this movie a thriller instead of a sci-fi movie, but I can understand why the movie would be considered a fantasy/ sci-fi. I don’t really like scary movies, but the creepiness was pretty necessary in this film to continue the story. I have to say though, Zachary Levi who played Shazam was a great actor.

This movie is all about getting revenge and proving oneself right. At the same time, a young hero who was miserable in every way, learned to love others and himself. His journey turned him into a hero he never thought he’d be.

I would rate this movie probably a 6/10 because it wasn’t a terrible movie, but the story really could be better. The villain of the story kills a group of innocent people.. and I don’t know. There were some really emotional scenes that you can really feel the sadness within a character, but you’ll have to watch it yourself.

FANTASTIC FOUR

August 11, 2019August 11, 2019Sydney LeeLeave a comment

PG-13

FANTASY/SCIENCE FICTION

MY RATING: 4/5 stars

Image result for fantastic 4 — Photo © Marvel Comics

This movie is great. I have watched it about three times or more because it’s such a fun and adventurous movie. Of course, there’s an antagonist and in this case, there are four protagonists. They are all part of some space mission and one day, they all get blasted with some power from space, including the “villain.” The four of them learn together how to use their power to help others and eventually stop the antagonist from ruining people’s lives.

I would rate this movie a 8/10 and a 4/5 stars because I feel like it could be better, but it is still awesome and I love this movie. There are a couple other movies in the series that I would also suggest to watch.