postwatchnotes

[postwatchnotes]

Fantasy-Flavoured Action Films That Just Scratch My Brain Right✨ (Infinite + The Great Wall: Review-ish/thoughts)

So last week I watched two action-y fantasy-ish films: Infinite (with Mark Wahlberg) and The Great Wall (with Matt Damon and Pedro Pascal). Were they masterpieces? No. Did I enjoy them? Absolutely.

I don’t watch these kinds of films expecting great acting or groundbreaking stories, what I do watch them for is how they feed my imagination. Like, Infinite and its whole reincarnation concept? Love that. The idea of people remembering all their past lives and becoming ultra-skilled immortals basically? It’s just so cool.

And The Great Wall? A group of European smugglers stumbles into this organised, really aesthetic Chinese army fighting aliens (I'm wasn't expecting it either lol) with colour-coded formations and acrobat spearmen/spearwomen?? It’s wild and chaotic. But it’s also fun.

Maybe it’s just my infp brain, but these kinds of films make me feel like a kid again. Like I’m watching one of those random fantasy DVDs you'd find in the early 2000s, not great, but it would stick with you for some reason. They’re the kind of films that most people would say “meh” to, but I just enjoy them for what they are.

So yeah, not amazing films in the technical sense, but good for the soul if you’re into chaotic worldbuilding, fantasy elements, and mildly ridiculous action plots.

Rating: 6.5/10 Would I recommend? If you're in the mood for something fun, light, and fantastical that doesn't take itself too seriously, then sure.

[postwatchnotes]

Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning (2025) Review

⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️ SPOILER WARNING ⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️

I watched Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning last night, and as always, it was a fun ride. I've always had a soft spot for the Mission: Impossible series. Totally over-the-top, not super realistic, but honestly? Who cares. Tom Cruise and Simon Pegg are always so much fun to watch.

For context, I saw it in VF (French dubbed), which is never my favorite… but I wanted the full 4DX experience, and you can’t have both in France, not in my cinema at least. That being said, the 4DX was so much fun. The car chases and plane scenes had me flying around in my seat, I couldn’t even see what was happening half the time because I was too busy trying not to fall out. It was hilarious.

Story-wise, it was pretty good! A bit complicated? I haven’t rewatched all the previous films recently, so I was a little confused about how Ethan was apparently the cause of all of it, but okay, sure lol. Still had all the usual MI vibes: high tension, great stunts, and humor.

Kinda sad about Luther though…

Did it feel like the end of the saga? Maybe? They did a whole sweep through the past films with the flashbacks, and the final speech really had that “goodbye” energy. But like… it’s Hollywood. He’s not dead. So who knows? The final scene did feel like a goodbye, but was it really one? Only time will tell.

Either way, I had a great time. The 4DX made it extra chaotic and funny. Just a solid, fun action movie.

Rating: 7.5/10

Would I recommend it? Yes, especially if you love Mission Impossible and, if you can, try the 4DX experience it makes it so much more fun.

[postwatchnotes]

Freaky Tales (2024) - Review

!!! Spoilers ahead !!!

Watched Freaky Tales recently… mostly for Pedro Pascal (no shame). I went in totally blind and honestly? It was definitely something. 😅

It had a sort of teenage graphic novel vibe with the chapter format and little illustrations, which made it fun. The violence was really exaggerated and kinda gross/brutal (that martial arts chest punch thing?? ew 😭), but also weirdly funny. It gave off some Kill Bill energy at times.

The 80s aesthetic was really well done, and I loved the use of the green lights. If you’ve seen it, you know. It was super visually pleasing and helped with the whole vibe. They also touched on social issues from that time, which was nice to see. And Tom Hanks’ cameo? Hilarious, didn’t expect that at all.

The part where all the stories link up at the end? Super satisfying. Didn’t expect it. That said… I was really tired when I watched it and it didn’t exactly keep me awake, which probably says a lot. Oops

I think I was also expecting more of a supernatural twist at some point? Maybe I missed it, or maybe it just didn’t go there. Either way, it was weird, intriguing, and fun in parts, just not enough for me personally. One of those “glad I watched it, won’t watch again” kind of films.

Rating: 6/10

Would I recommend it? Maybe, if you’re in the mood for something strange and chaotic.

[postwatchnotes]

Watched Companion last night and I’m still unsure how I feel about it. I went in expecting a horror-thriller but honestly it felt more like a Black Mirror episode... just lighter. It had plot twists, a too-perfect beginning, and a big reveal that flips everything, but nothing felt that new.

It was still entertaining, though. The cast was good, especially Sophie Thatcher as Iris (she really carried). The pacing kept me watching and on edge, and the antagonist slowly revealing how awful he was made it fun to hate him. It was satisfying to watch that unravel. Plus, there was some humour that added a nice touch.

But yeah, I expected more horror and it just wasn’t there. The thriller vibe worked. It also felt a little short and not super memorable. Like, I’ll remember it more as a decent Black Mirror-style story than a full film.

Rating: 6.5/10 Worth a watch if you like a quick, fun thriller with some nice twists.

[postwatchnotes]

Thunderbolts* (2025) — Review

So, I was spoiled on a lot of the plot (thanks Marvel 😅), but surprisingly, it didn’t ruin anything. I still laughed at scenes I had already seen in trailers or leaks, and the emotional moments still landed.

After some of the questionable Marvel film choices lately, this felt like a breath of fresh air. It reminded me of the good old days when The Avengers first dropped — not that it could beat that, but it had that familiar MCU vibe I missed.

I think the fact that we already know most of the characters from other projects was a smart choice. No need for endless POV shifts or intros; it stayed focused on the team dynamic, which helped the pacing. And honestly? The teamwork is so much fun — I’m so glad we got some wholesome and fun team-building between them. Love their vibe sm.

SPOILERS AHEAD!!!! I was shocked that Taskmaster showed up for like five minutes and then… nothing? After seeing her on the press tour, I expected a bit more screen time or a comeback. I kept thinking she was going to pop up somewhere at some point.

Also, we got some of Walker’s backstory, which was cool — but nothing on Bucky’s. As a Bucky fan, that felt like a missed opportunity. I’m still holding out hope for a Bucky-centered film one day, because he deserves it. (also his prince charming hair in that post-credit scene ugh)

Overall, I’d rate it a solid 8/10. Can’t wait for Doomsday !!