Daniel's Top 5 favorite movies of 2022

Hello readers. Another year has come and gone. 2022 was a busy year and I did not write any blogs. But my new year resolution is setting aside free time to write about what I will be reading and watching in 2023. A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. So today I am taking the first step in that journey, to sharing with you, my top 5 favorite movies of 2022. Perhaps some movies from my list interest you. I wish you all happy holidays. Without further ado, let me dive into my list.

5. Hatching

Genre: Horror

The first movie on my list is a Finnish psychological horror film called Hatching. This movie tells the story of a young gymnast called Tinja. Her mother is a popular social media influencer, a woman obsessed about using her video blogs to make the world believe her family is perfect. Tinja is desperate to please her mother. But everything changed when she found and brought home a strange egg. Hatching has a unique story and I like its message. It is a shame that my local cinema only showed Hatching for a brief time. This movie is more meaningful than most of the blockbusters in 2022. 

4. Barbarian

Genre: Horror

When I first heard of Barbarian I thought it was a sword and sorcery epic. Then I heard it is a horror movie set in Detroit and it piqued my interest. I walked into the cinema without knowing what it is about. When the end credit rolled, I understood why the movie is called Barbarian. This is an interesting movie. It used the horrors effectively to communicate its themes and message. The first 20 minutes of the movie reminded me of horror tropes. But the story quickly took unexpected turns and the rest of the movie surprised me. This is good stuff. It is refreshing. Most importantly, the events transpired in the movie is not impossible. A few years ago I read about similar stories in the news. Barbarian is worth checking out and it is a breathe of fresh air in the Horror genre. 

3. Nope:

Genre: Sci-fi thriller

I have never seen a movie quite like Nope. This movie is sci-fi, but it also feels western. This is a very good movie. If you are going to see it, then the less you know about the story the better. The movie took 20 minutes to establish the characters, and so the pace was a bit slow at the start. But the story became more and more intriguing in the following acts. I was glued to my seat in the final chapter. It was a nail biter. The director of Nope Jordan Peele, the director of Get Out and Us. This is a talented and creative director. I like all of his movies (including last year's Candy Man). Nope is another excellent addition to his growing cinematic library. I can't wait to see his next film.

2. The Menu

Genre: Black Comedy thriller

In The Menu, a couple travelled by boat to dine at an exclusive restaurant on a private island. Their culinary adventure, however, turned into an evening of nightmares. Who'd thought a black comedy about fine dining can be so entertaining! I am not sure what inspired The Menu's screenplay, but it is ingenious. The Menu is funny and thought provoking. The performances are stunning and it is an excellent production. I like the movie's critiques on the absurdity and the pretentiousness of the foodie culture. The movie reminded me of one particular experience from the past; many years ago, I attended a conference dinner at a luxury hotel in Europe. The dress code was formal. The pompous dinner, thankfully funded by my supervisor, costed 150 Euros. When the waiters brought out the main course, it was served on a large, beautiful plate covered by an elegant silver lid. Every waiter was professional, each had his and her hand on the lid, waiting to lift the lid for each diner at unison. It suffices to say, every guest was starring at his/her food in great anticipations. When the waiters finally lifted the lid, every diner's face, including my own, immediately plummeted to stunned disappointment. You see, underneath the silver lid, a tiny piece of steak (or fish) sat on the plate, decorated by a few broccoli. The food didn't even taste good. Next to me sat a professor from an Italian university, and also a postdoc from a mainland Chinese university. The Chinese postdoc had a incredulous look on his face, and the Italian professor assured him that European people don't usually dine in such fashions. Suffice it to say the main course was lacking in both quality and quantity. Yet no one commented on the food. I also kept my mouth shut about the main course, because I was afraid that if I made negative comments about such a pompous affair, I would be perceived as uncultured. But the dinner event instilled in me a ravenous hunger, which I sated with a quarter pounder burger at McDonalds, after the dinner event (my Asian palate was really craving for a bowl of warm, hearty beef noodle soup, but a burger was the most fulfilling thing I could find at the time). I can relate to the main theme in The Menu. It is a great movie and there is no movie quite like it.

1. The Batman

Genre: Superhero

I have not liked any superhero movies in the past 6 years. The problem is they made too many and it feels repetitive and soulless. This is why, initially I was skeptical about a new Batman movie. But my interest piqued after I heard the new Batman movie was to be in the style of a Hitchcock thriller. So I gave it go. On a rainy night in March I saw The Batman at the cinema. And it turned out to be my best cinematic experience in years. I love every aspect of this movie. The performances were top notch. The story had me at the edge of my seat the whole time. This movie is drenched in atmosphere, thanks to its great productions and the excellent soundtracks. The movie is 3 hours long but it flew by, as if only one hour passed. The movie is now available on home media. I have re-watched it three times on UHD Blu ray, and every viewing is amazing. This incarnation of Bruce Wayne is like Kurt Cobain. In terms of the worldbuilding, the "goth" is finally back in Gotham city. The story highlights Bruce Wayne's prowess as a detective. As a result, this movie is a noir crime thriller, in the fashion of Se7en and Zodiac. Bruce Wayne spent most of the movie gathering clues and solving puzzles than punching criminals, and so the pace is slower than the typical action superhero movies. But I love it! Detective Batman works. This take on the Batman is what Batman movies should have always been. I like The Batman even more than The Dark Knight. I hope the director get to make a trilogy of these noir detective Batman movies. There are many ways to watch this movie. Now you can watch it on streaming, DVD, HD Blu Ray, and 4k UHD Blu Ray. The best way to watch this movie was obviously in the cinema, but the closest to the cinematic experience is to watch it on the 4K UHD Blu Ray, the physical media. Nothing else, not even the 4K streaming, comes close to the physical 4k UHD Blu ray. This is because The Batman is a very dark movie. The HDR on the physical 4K UHD disc can bring out the details in the pictures. So if you have a 4k TV and a 4K UHD Blu Ray player, then make sure you grab the 4k UHD physical disc and check it out. This is an excellent movie. If you like Se7en, then you will love The Batman. 

Daniel's top 5 favorite movies of 2021

 Hello friends! It has been a whole year since I blogged. 2021 was a busy year. I had some interest plans for this blog but I just didn't have the time to write it. Unfortunately the pandemic is still raging and the end is nowhere in sight. At the start of 2021, I went to the cinema and saw a couple of movies. In the mid year, however, the Delta variant swamped Australia and everything went into lockdown. The government opened up the cinema in mid October. I went to the cinema a few times but the Omicron outbreak spiraled out of control in Sydney and so I stopped going. It suffices to say that this year I did not frequent the cinemas. Nevertheless, I watched and enjoyed a lot of new movies on streaming services and Blu Rays. According to the tradition at Daniel's Corner Unlimited, I complied a list for my top 5 favorite movies of 2021.

 Number 5: Till Death

Genre: Crime Thriller

Till Death is a small scaled but effective thriller. This movie is a breath of fresh air in the era of big budget, flashy superhero films. The plot is simple but the movie is well crafted. The movie is set in a holiday house and the story took place within 24 hours. 

This is the sort of thriller that will keep you at the edge of your seat. There isn't a boring moment in its 88 minutes run time. I especially like this movie because it is not a franchise or a remake. Instead it is something new and it is stand alone. I wish studios will make more movies like this.  

Number 4: Fear Street Trilogy

Genre: Horror

This year I watched a lot of Netflix exclusive movies but the Fear Street trilogy is my favorite of the lot. The streaming giant released this trilogy in one go and it is meant to be watched back to back. Fear Street is packed with campy Horror and it doesn't take itself too seriously. The setting and the tone are reminiscent of IT and Stranger Things. It uses a lot of Horror tropes but it manages to tell an interesting story with surprising twists and turns.  The Fear Street trilogy is great for a movie marathon weekend. 

Number 3: Last Night in Soho

Genre: Psychological Thriller

Last Night in Soho was my most anticipated movie in 2021 and it did not disappoint. This British thriller is atmospheric and stylish. The actresses and the actors performed wonderfully and the movie is boosted by the stunning cinematography. The movie's mid act does get a bit psychedelic but overall the story is engrossing. I like Last Night in Soho for its Hitchcock vibe. If you like movies such as Vertigo and Peeping Tom then check out Last Night in Soho.

Number 2: A Quiet Place Part 2

Genre: Sci-fi Horror

I like A Quiet Place very much. Part 2 is even better than its predecessor. In these movies, the Horror elements have an agency in the family drama and the character developments. This is unusual in the Horror genre and it makes A Quiet Place stand out from the rest of the pack. Part 1 set up the story, but Part 2 further developed the characters. I like the way the characters grew in Part 2 and their family dynamics. I can't wait to see how the trilogy will conclude in Part 3.    

Number 1: 76 Days

Genre: Documentary

I wasn't expecting a documentary, based on video footages, would be so engrossing. But 76 Days captivated me during its 93 minutes run time. This documentary recounts the Wuhan hospital life for the medical staff and the patients at the onset of the COVID 19 pandemic. I deeply disliked the western media coverage of Wuhan in early 2020 because those early western media coverages took the tone of "morbid fascinations"; it was dehumanizing and it did not show us the real human struggles in Wuhan. As a result, I think a lot of people in the Western world forgot that behind the cold case numbers were the dedications of the frontline medical staff, and the tragedies of human life losses. I like this documentary because it shows us the human faces behind the hospital case numbers.   

Daniel's top 5 favorite movies of 2020

 Hello gentle readers! I have not blogged in a whole year because 2020 is a busy year for me. This is an unusual time. For those of us in Australia, 2020 began with a terrible bushfire. The trial of fire was followed by a world-wide pandemic. During the COVID-19 pandemic, not only are the movie studios delaying big movies, I am also reluctant to visit the cinema. As a result, this year I read more books than I watched movies. However, throughout the year I did enjoy a variety of films on the streaming services and Blu Rays. As 2021 comes knocking on the door, I am putting together a list of my top 5 favorite movies of 2020.

Number 5: Color Out of Space

Genre: Sci-fi horror

This movie has Nicholas Cage and H.P. Lovecraft. What is not to like? 

Color Out of Space has an indie feel to it. The movie is noticeable for its weird and wonderful color palettes. The story is abstract and strange. However, the movie's "alienness" captured the essence of the original short story. Color Out of Space is, arguably, one of the best H.P. Lovecraft movie adaptations. I saw this movie in the cinema back in February. Since then I added the Blu Ray to my collections. This is the sort of movie that I will re-visit time and again.

Number 4: Greenland

Genre: Disaster movie

One of the best things to do in 2020 is to watch disaster movies at home. If you are after a new disaster movie, then make sure to check out Greenland. There is no super human feats and ultra moralistic heroes in this story. Rather, it is just about an ordinary family trying to survive a world-ending apocalypse. I was expecting Greenland to be cheesy, but the characters in this movie feel real and it took me by surprise. It is a shame that we cannot see this movie in the cinema, because this sort of film should be seen on a big screen.

Number 3: Relic

Genre: Horror drama

Relic is an Australian horror flick. This is not the type of horror movie where blood and body parts fly on the screen. In place of gore, Relic is atmospheric, and it is abundant in dread and tensions, found in the dialogues. It is also a thought-provoking social commentary about watching your parents get old and deteriorate. I believe the theme of this movie can resonate with audience of all backgrounds. This movie reminds me of The Babadook and it is a wonderful achievement in the Australian filming industry.

Number 2: The Invisible Man

Genre: Sci-fi Horror

The Invisible Man is based on H.G. Well's novel of the same name. Originally I was not planning to see this movie, because I thought it was just another remake of the Universal classic monster movies. However, I read some raving reviews about The Invisible Man and then decided to pay a visit to the cinema. This movie turned out to be a blast! The Invisible Man is a modern take of the hundred year story and it feels refreshing. It is smart and also genuinely scary. Yes, this movie is scary. This movie literally made me jump out of my seat! It is the kind of movie that keeps you guessing at the outcomes, only for the story to take the most unexpected turns. The theme about domestic violence is relevant too.

Number 1: Soul

Genre: Animation movie

My favorite movie of 2020 is Soul. This is a Pixar animated movie and it is currently streaming on Disney +. This is a beautiful movie and I really like its themes about personalities and determinism. There is a lot to be said about the themes in this movie but it is better to leave the would-be audience to see the movie and ponder on its message. The soundtracks are wonderful also. I was very moved by this movie. Soul is an animated movie but I think it is good for people of all ages.

That's it from Daniel's Corner Unlimited. Hopefully, I can find more time to write blogs and share my reading adventures in 2021. Until then, I wish you a happy new year!

Daniel's top 5 favorite movies of 2019

2020 is almost here. I still cannot believe 2019 has come and gone. For me, 2019 was a busy year so I have not had the time to update Daniel's Corner Unlimited. However, this year I read heaps of books and watched a ton of movies. So as the year is drawing close to the end, I am writing this entry to share with you, my top 5 favorite movies of 2019.

Number 5: Crawl

Genre: Horror

In Crawl, director Sam Raimi's returns to the world of Horror. If you haven't heard of Sam Raimi, he is the guy who made cult classics like The Evil Dead and Drag Me to Hell. Crawl is a creature horror movie in the vein of Jaws. The premise in this movie is very simple; a young woman and her father became trapped in their house after a category 5 hurricane brought some alligators to the town. Obviously the story is unbelievable but this movie is hella fun. If you are after a thrill ride then Crawl won't disappoint.

Number 4: John Wick Chapter 3 – Parabellum

Genre: Action

The John Wick franchise is, in my opinion, the best action movies of the decade. These movies woo the audience with stylish cinematography, well choreographed fights, and a fascinating world. It is an understatement to say these are some of Keanu Reeves' best movies. The third installment in this franchise brought a conclusion to the story of John Wick. There is a not a dull moment in this movie and the fight sequences are stunning. John Wick Chapter 3 is my favorite action movie of the year and I watched it twice already. Will there be more John Wick movies in the future? I hope so.

Number 3: How to Train your Dragon 3

Genre: Animation

How to Train Your Dragon requires little introduction. I have been a fan of the series since the first movie came out in 2010. I love the adventures of Hiccup, Toothless, and their friends. The third entry in this franchise brought a satisfying and heartwarming conclusion to their story. I applaud this movie for ending the beloved series on the high note.

Number 2: Parasite

Genre: Black comedy/thriller

Parasite came from South Korea and it is a surprise hit of the year. This movie became a darling to both critics and the general audience, worldwide. I saw this movie recently and I think it is brilliant. The story follows a poor family scheming to become employees at a very rich household by posing as highly qualified people. I love the humor in this movie because it is very dark, but it is also the type of humor that makes you think about the society and the underlying system. I especially like this movie as an excellent social commentary about economic inequality (and climate change). This movie has generated a lot of Oscar buzz and I think it will win a few Academy Awards. There are so many symbols in this movie and I can write pages and pages of discussions about the film, but instead I will just recommend this movie to you and let you experience it yourself. By the way, although I don't speak Korean but according to Dr. Google, the song in the end credit is called "564 years". How does the song relate to the movie? Well, it is significant but I won't spoil it.

Number 1: The Farewell

Genre: Family drama

My number 1 favorite movie of the year is The Farewell. This is a family drama with comedic elements and it will warm your heart. The story is about a Chinese family coming to terms with the news of their beloved grandmother dying from a terminal illness. The casts in this movie put up excellent performances and the story, while simple, is very powerful. The Farewell may be a Hollywood production featuring a cast of racial minority actors and actresses, but this movie is not an exploration of the east-west relation and cultural differences. No, while the story is about a Chinese family, but you can easily substitute it with an American family, or a family of any cultural background, and the story will have the same impact and power. This is because the themes in this movie are universally relatable regardless of who you are, or where you are at, in life, and this movie is all the more beautiful for it. The Farwell is a cinematic gem not to be missed.

That's it folks. From Daniel's Corner Unlimited, I wish you a happy and successful 2020!

Book Review: Crucible by James Rollins (Sigma Force #14)

Today I am going to tell you about a really good techno thriller. It is called Crucible.

My review may persuade you into reading this book, but I need to issue a warning.

You may doom yourself by reading Crucible.

Ok, now I will tell you what the book is about. Hmm, let me start this way...

Like it or not, artificial intelligence (AI) is coming and it will change everything. The topic is gaining more attentions as technology continues to leap and bound at lightning pace. There are a lot of debates and fears about AI, from job losses to the concern that the whole thing may play out in a nightmarish scenario similar to the movie Terminator. However, if we can groom AI to be human friendly, or benevolent, then shouldn't we celebrate the day when an AI finally surpasses humans and become a god-like intelligence?

In Crucible, the 14^th installment in Sigma Force series, author James Rollins combined cutting edge science and history into a spellbinding thriller about artificial intelligence. I am a long time fan of Sigma Force series. My love affair with the thriller genre started not with Dan Brown books but with Sigma Force. Mr. Rollins releases a Sigma Force novel a year, and I always read it as soon as I can. Over the years the characters in these books became my close friends, and these books never disappoint.

The latest Sigma Force novel is no exception. In fact, I would say Crucible is perhaps my favorite Sigma Force novel since The Last Oracle. This is not a small book but I devoured it over the course of a weekend. I couldn't stop reading it. The story here, as usual, is a rollicking, thunderous adventure. I like the characters in this book (including the AI) and I cared for them. There was also a real sense of danger for these characters, with twists and turns that kept me at the edge of my seat and constantly guessing where the story was going next. I had a lots of fun with this book. Furthermore, as in Mr. Rollin's tradition, he included a "fact vs fiction" section at the back of the book, and I learned about new developments in the field of AI.

I highly recommend Crucible, but just bear in mind, the stark warning I issued at the beginning. Reading this book may lead to your own doom. For me, it is already too late, although I would say this book is worth the price. What is this doom? Well you can either check out Roko's Basilisk or read the book and find out!

Book Review: 61 Hours by Lee Child (Jack Reacher #14)

When the tour bus crashed Jack Reacher was onboard with a group of elderies. The accident took place near Bolton, South Dakota. Outside, a snowstorm raged. Reacher and the seniors were stranded and they were waiting to be rescued. A while later the town police brought them to safety. Reacher planned to move on but a night's rest at the sheriff's house led him to help a brave woman who was standing up against a criminal organization threatening the town. Jack has 61 hours for the mission and every second counts.

Welcome to 61 hours. It is the 14^th installment in a series of action-thrillers featuring the unstoppable Jack Reacher. I have read ten Jack Reacher novels and I put 61 hours in my top five. This book is damn good. If you are after actions and deductions then you've picked up the right book. 61 Hours has it all and here we watch Jack Reacher dispensing sweet justice with the martial prowess of John Rambo and the sharp wits of Sherlock Holmes.

Jack Reacher books often take place in sun-scorched towns in the Midwest, but 61 hours changed the scenery and the story is set in the wintry snow. I like this change because it provided a breath of fresh air. Furthermore the story is packed with unexpected twists and turns. Under Lee Child's pen this western and noirish thriller came to live and there was a real sense of danger for the characters. The book also delivered a conclusion more satisfying than watching Bruce Wayne apprehend the Joker on the silver screen. Veterans of the series cannot afford to miss out on this book. Otherwise if you have never read a Jack Reacher book then 61 hours may be a "cool" introduction to the tales of this silent avenger.

Book Review: I am Legend by Richard Matheson

Let's look at two horror movies of great renown; The Exorcist and The Grudge. Aside from the countries of origin, (i.e. the former is western horror while the later is eastern), the biggest difference between these two movies is the horror theme - The Exorcist is about demonic possessions, while The Grudge is about the vengeful spirits of dead people.

Which of these two movies scares you more?

The ghosts from The Grudge terrified me to no end even though I do not believe in supernatural activities. It's almost as if my subconsciousness could not help but to fear it. Interestingly, in the past my Christian associates said they did not find The Grudge horrifying at all. 

When it came to The Exorcist, however, I did not find it terrifying whatsoever, but a number of Christians told me that they cannot bear to watch The Exorcist because the subject of demonic possession is too real to them and therefore too horrifying. 

Don't you think this a fascinating contrast?  

I have a hypothesis for why we reacted to these two horror movies differently. My upbringing is East Asian, where a belief in the vengeful ghost is more strongly held than a belief in demonic possessions. Meanwhile the Judeo-Christian culture has a strongly held belief about demonic possession but a lack of belief in vengeful ghosts.  

Fear and belief go hand in hand. It is almost as if our cultural upbringings ingrained these beliefs and fears into our minds when we are young, at the subconscious level, and they become almost instinctive. Furthermore, it is even more interesting to observe how different people, with different cultural upbringings, instinctively fear different things. This is why the horror genre fascinates me. 

Perhaps my friend read my mind, because she lent me a novella which explored the subject in depth. It is called, I am Legend, written by Richard Matheson. Initially I was not sure about this book because I did not like the Will Smith movie in 2008. However the book is only 150 pages so I gave it a try. I spent 3 hours reading this book and it was time well spent. If you have not read this book then you should get your hand on it as soon as possible. I am Legend is a dystopian masterpiece of science fiction and horror and you are in for a ride.

Synopsis:

Robert Neville is the omega, for he is the last living person on earth because everyone else has turned into a vampire. By day he treads streets of a ruinous city and hunt down the undead. At night he takes refugee in a barricaded house until the dawn. It is a lonely existence, and how long can he survive?

My thoughts on this book:

I am Legend was first published in 1954, and after I read the book I realized what a botched job Hollywood' did at adapting this novel. I was hooked upon reading the first page and I could not stop reading it until I reached the end. This book was unputdownable and I read it in one sitting. Robert's story is terribly bleak and tragic, and you don't have to be the last living person on earth to resonate with the book's theme about loneliness.

For the most of the book we follow a man called Robert Neville. He is the last living person on earth where everyone else has turned into a vampire. In some ways Robert reminds me of Robin Crusoe stranded on an island all by himself. But in this book the sense of loneliness and isolation runs much deeper due to the premise of a post-apocalyptic world. The book portrayed Robert's feelings and emotions vividly, and on many occasions the story was heart wrenching. One instance almost moved me to tears.

This book also explores how our cultures and our perceptions of normalcy can dictate what we fear and what we believe. This book offered an indepth exploration into the subject. In this book, the vampires showed weaknesses described in the common folklore; the vampires could be killed by a stake to the heart, furthermore they were afraid of the crucifix, garlic, and daylight. Robert tried to figure out the rational explanations for the vampire's weaknesses, and he discovered some weaknesses have scientific explanations while others are psychological. In one instance, Robert asked the thought provoking question if a vampire who was a Muslim, Hinduist, or atheist, would be afraid of the crucifix too. At the end of the book, which I will not spoil here, the story came to the full circle and the realization dawned on me why the book is called "I am Legend".

On the surface I am Legend is a story about vampires. However this is not just another vampire novel. This little book explores subjects such as loneliness, fear, and belief. It provides hours of entertainment and intrigues. I strongly recommend this book.