The Way of the Gun

2000 / 119m - USA
Crime, Thriller
3.0*/5.0*
The Way of the Gun poster

A decent crime flick, though not nearly as cool and/or dry as I remembered it to be. It's been a long time since I last watched it and my taste in films has changed a lot. While there are still some interesting scenes and memorable moments, overall it's a bit too generic and familiar to leave a sizeable impression.

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The performances are fun, but the presentation is a bit bland and the 2-hour runtime is excessive. The comedy is what saves this film, but it isn't that unique. The film thrives on the chemistry between its central duo, other than that, it's just a basic US crime flick. Not bad, but far from the personal favorite it used to be.

How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies

Lahn Mah
2024 / 125m - Thailand
Drama
3.0*/5.0*
How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies poster

A gentle, though somewhat predictable, film about a young boy who spends more time with his grandma hoping to get her inheritance. It's a pleasant slice-of-life drama that slowly makes its way to an inevitable ending, giving you time to properly bond with the characters while also showcasing some of Thailand's culture.

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The performances are nice, the presentation is pleasant and the pacing is okay for a film like this (but expect it to be rather slow). There aren't too many surprising elements though and two hours might've been a tad long, but I never lost interest. It's not the most notable film, but still worth it if you're looking for calming, somewhat emotional filler.

The Colors Within

Kimi no Iro
2024 / 101m - Japan
Drama, Music - Animation
4.0*/5.0*
The Colors Within poster

I was a bit worried about this one as I usually don't love Japanese narratives about bands, but Naoko Yamada crafted such a sweet, innocent, and lovely little film that I didn't mind the music scenes one bit. It's one of those films where everyone is gentle and well-meaning. That doesn't mean the film is without drama, only that it's more related to the insecurities and fears lying within the characters themselves. Add some stylish animation and a lovely art style and this is another standout from Yamada.