charlie groll.

Movie Journal

Under the stars (2023)
★★★★

Mar 19, 2024
Movie poster for Under the stars
I'm not sure how faithfully Yazid's story was told, but, between the acting and direction, I really felt like I was watching his life. I was right there with him, feeling what he felt and experiencing the tribulations he was feeling. More than anything, that's what I feel film is about.

The Fox (2022)
★★★ ½

Mar 14, 2024
Movie poster for The Fox
It got me emotionally invested until you realize that there's no possibility for a happy ending. The pacing was a bit off for me, especially the first act, and I wasn't sold on the acting at the climax (yelling "sorry" from the truck).
Good film, overall. Enjoyed it.

The Cowboy and the Queen (2023)
★★★★★

Mar 03, 2024
Movie poster for The Cowboy and the Queen
Excellent documentary. A bit hard to watch at times, as they show violence towards horses, but it really drives home how beautiful of a man Monty is.

Bienvenidos a Los Angeles (2023)
★★ ½

Mar 03, 2024
Movie poster for Bienvenidos a Los Angeles
A lot of this fell flat for me. The dialogue was a bit weak, and the editing and cinematography felt disjointed from the emotions we were supposed to feel.

Dead Cat (2023)
★★★★ ½

Mar 03, 2024
Movie poster for Dead Cat
Hilarious. A tight production with great acting.

Yellow (2023)
★★★★ ½

Mar 03, 2024
Movie poster for Yellow
This is probably recency bias, but this reminded me a bit of The Zone of Interest. The banality of evil played out in this interaction. The emotions, pretty raw. I thought it had really strong direction and camerawork.

Tehachapi (2023)
★★★★★

Mar 03, 2024
Movie poster for Tehachapi
Tremendously powerful. This is what art can and should do for the world.

The Family Circus (2023)
★★★ ½

Mar 02, 2024
Movie poster for The Family Circus
Lots of uncomfortable/cringe realism. Loved/hated it. The tension in this situation was beautiful at times. Most of all, I loved how connections from strangers, very different people, can form in the weirdest circumstances.

In the Garden of Tulips (2023)
★★★ ½

Mar 02, 2024
Movie poster for In the Garden of Tulips
A lot of emotion from these actors.

Klette (2022)
★★★★

Mar 02, 2024
Movie poster for Klette
It’s tough being an uncertain 20-something, but it’s really nice to see someone who is loved and has support systems. Great editing and camerawork.