andreriosorio

A Quiet Place Part II falls short of the original's brilliance. The first film delivered a crystal-clear structure, gripping storytelling, and compelling characters. In stark contrast, this sequel feels confused and uninspired. Lacking a clear conflict to drive the plot, it meanders aimlessly. Worse, it undermines the emotional and logical growth that made Part I a masterpiece. The stakes feel repetitive, and the new additions fail to resonate. Also there is some crappy green screen effects at the beginning that alongside the retconned story continuity that is off putting to say the least. It is very disappointing to see how writers don't know how to develop stories anymore.

Behind Her Eyes feels like a British take on a Mexican soap opera, but it falls flat even of that. The performances are weak, with exaggerated emotions that feel forced and unconvincing. Characters react in ways that make no sense, breaking any immersion. The core romance is implausible; there's no spark, and these two would never connect in real life. The plot lurches through illogical twists, leaving you annoyed rather than captivated. It's a melodramatic slog that tries for psychological intrigue but ends up a messy disappointment. Skip this one for something with better acting and a believable story.

The Substance kicks off with a bizarre but intriguing premise that immediately draws you in, it's a tough subject talking about the discardable nature of beauty. The evolving dynamic between the characters is both interesting and empathetic, setting the stage for what could have been an excellent film. Unfortunately, the last 40 minutes derail everything. What began as a sharp, thought-provoking story dissolves into absurdity, undermining its earlier depth. Demi Moore is fine, but her Oscar buzz feels more like marketing hype. The real standout is Margaret Qualley, who brings raw energy and nuance to a film that ultimately loses its way.