Posts by Ashley Grant66

New Sebastian 😲

The spot is pretty mediocre—but honestly, it’s the song that misses the mark... it’s got something, I guess, but I just can't get into it. Such a bummer.

Still...

Personally, I thought the music worked way better in Good Times—that OPN soundtrack really gave that movie an extra dimension. Here, though, the score feels like it’s eating every single scene alive. It’s just too over-the-top and doesn't really vibe with the goofy tone of the film. Just my two cents!

By the way, that auction scene is top-tier—I’ve always loved auction scenes in movies because you just know things are about to go absolutely sideways. 😁 That part where the receptionist calls her boss that—honestly, it felt like a scene straight out of some goofy Hollywood comedy—but man, it was gold! 🤣

I honestly don't know much about Springfield—I probably wouldn't even get around to seeing half the stuff I actually want to check out anyway, which is kind of a bummer 😁 Or they might just run into each other—like if the New Yorker met Bill Callahan—and then I'd be stuck facing a massive life crisis :drama:

Yeah, the music could actually be pretty good; she's a musician, so she clearly has taste. I've been at weddings where we had a blast dancing to Dirty or Bunny (total Bohemian at heart <3), so that says a lot. Though, a buddy of mine swears it isn't a real party unless things get a little rowdy—you know, like you can't have a wedding without some broken glasses flying around. I get that side of it, too. 😁

Ashes to Ashes (since we're talking about weddings... that video is honestly such a hot vibe 🙂)

Jesus, what a lineup for Coachella... seriously intense. Who else is going?
If everyone just plays for 15 minutes and it ends up being crowded, sticky, sweaty, and a total mess—it won't be worth it. :jelly:

Solid workday for Magazin

Tears on Fire

Man, I really miss those old Ariel tracks Sigh

I’d give anything to be at ABOP this Saturday—but I've got a wedding to attend instead. Fingers crossed the playlist isn't total trash; hopefully, it feels more like a cool, urban party 😁

R.E.M. - Atlanta

This is about as upbeat as I can get right now—which isn't saying much, let's be honest. It’s not exactly depressing either, you know? Just... radio-friendly but with this underlying melancholy. It hits a certain chord, though—honestly, it makes me want to tear up a little at

I would give my life to find it
I would give it all

Man, I just want to go out for a run with this blasting in my headphones!

Drew Lewis2 said:hey Ashley Grant66 😁 did you grab some Blixotto?

low-key beef

🤣 You bet—always down for risotto or Blixotto!
Oh man, thanks for mentioning Cloud Dead—first I'd never heard of them and thought, "Why am I liking this?" (love is weird!), then realized it's totally a Yoni project, which makes sense.

Woke up with Ian stuck in my head, so... Off to the races—I love that track even though it's not usually my vibe, there's just something about her take... sort of erotic and mid-century Americana, like a sweet little kinky housewife, ugh how do I even describe it.

Hey everyone!

--- Less Than human @ Mr Bungle

@ Mr Bungle - the absolute best🙏

ruggedjackal46 said:Look, that baby scene felt like such an aggressive clash of opposites to me—honestly, that one shot was just grating. And while the concept of the final scene sounds pretty bad on paper, the execution was actually great and weirdly effective. It lingers so long that it becomes uncomfortable—it basically detaches from the rest of the movie and forces you to stare right at it (or pushes you away, depending on who you 😁)—and Adele Haenel delivers such conflicting emotions that it’s way more than just a "crying scene." Within the context of the whole film—especially considering what the music represents and its overall role here—that short sequence manages to compress the entire emotional rollercoaster of the previous two hours. Of course, that's a common trope and it can easily slide into being pathetic, but it didn't happen here. That's what I appreciate about this movie—it dives bravely and honestly into that heavily overused, slippery theme of love. It's easy to slip up, but because of that directness and sincerity, when it hits the right tone, it absolutely knocks you out. I was actually laughing a few minutes earlier at those silly wedding dress illusions and the number 28, but after that final scene, I needed a few minutes to pull myself together before even leaving the theater.

That's so well said!
Yeah, that bit with the baby felt bizarre to me too—it really threw me off. I spent the next few minutes wondering what the point was, because in any other movie, it would've felt totally trashy, but here I assumed there was a reason for it.
As for that last scene, I get all the subtext involved, but I guess I mostly struggled with the feeling that it was forced onto us, since the setup felt a bit unbelievable. Maybe I'm just being dense and taking things too literally, but it felt strange having zero context—they just happen to be in the same spot (randomly? in New York City?), she's watching her from a different balcony, and it's essentially her looking at Heloise... it feels like everything is staged just so we can see Heloise's reaction in a close-up to that piece of music. Maybe the "how" and "why" don't matter, but it kept bugging me. You know, everything else in the movie felt so beautifully paced and natural—never rushed or forced—so that ending felt a bit abrupt and sudden to me.

ruggedjackal46 said:Portrait of a Lady on Fire (dir. Celine Sciamma, 2019)

The movie has this incredible sense of pacing and uses these tiny details that are just vital for the theme—I won't ramble, but the best example is that first encounter with Heloise. You hear stories about her for about fifteen minutes, then there's this long sequence where we just see her from behind with her hood up, and then when she finally pulls it down, shows off that blue hair, turns toward the camera, and speaks... she looks like the most captivating woman in the world.

Totally. I loved it too—honestly, that first half was probably the most gripping part for me, while all that tension is still building. The photography, the colors, the set design... everything is just stunning. You can't look away.

ruggedjackal46 said:The subject matter is pretty slippery and can easily slide into being overly sentimental, and a few times the film does lean into some almost trashy scenes—partly because I don't think Noémie Marlant (Marianne) is quite there. Her acting feels a bit too "on," like she’s trying way too hard to telegraph a specific emotion, which makes her feel a bit like a soap opera actress at times. On the flip side, Adele Haenel (Heloise) was absolutely incredible. That kind of focus on the small details that build a complex character is something I haven't seen in ages, and it all builds up to that insane final scene that gave me chills. The script, direction, and cinematography are top-notch, but honestly? For me, Adele Haenel carries more than half the movie.

I'm with you there. In the second half, it definitely loses some subtlety—some moments felt a little too theatrical (though I get that, considering the period setting). And that scene in bed, where they have their hair down and are talking about drugs? They just looked like two random girls filmed yesterday in an apartment; you just don't feel that 18th-century vibe. Adele is amazing in everything she does, though.
That scene analyzing Orpheus and Eurydice was fantastic, as were all the scenes with Valerie Golino. Personally, I got a bit unsettled by the detail where the maid holds the baby's hand during *that* process (?!). As for the ending, I wasn't as blown away—it felt a bit forced to me, like it was chasing a "wow" effect, and I ended up feeling a bit disconnected. It felt a little staged, almost like a scene meant for acting students to practice crying (lol, if that's even a thing). Maybe it's just me, but for a movie that plays the "less is more" card so well, this felt like a bit much. I actually preferred the little moment earlier (hint: 28 😁).
All in all, a really compelling film. I thought her previous two, Tomboy and Girl Gang, were great too 😍. This one is definitely a bigger bite—more pretentious and serious, for sure—but definitely worth the watch.

Yeah, I actually think Cindrić and Milardović are pretty solid—really natural players.

Btw, one thing I didn't quite catch—where were the teacher and her crew keeping their phones while they were in the gym? Didn't they take all their stuff with them? I don't recall Zuhra and the group asking them to set their phones aside (which would've looked super suspicious from the jump, too). Why didn't she just shoot someone a quick text saying they were inside, hanging out with some random guys, and that things were feeling a bit off...? Or maybe one of the kids could have called someone.

Daniel Perez6 said:I watched it yesterday, and honestly, it started off on a high note. 🙂 I’m a sucker for the details. It’s those little things that really get to me. Honestly, the very first scene already told me everything I needed to know—I was hooked immediately.

There’s something really powerful about that shot of the silent school hallways while everyone else is crowded into the auditorium. I actually read somewhere that the actress spent a few hours just sitting in an empty classroom to soak up the atmosphere, and honestly, I think that was a brilliant move. Lost weight. The teacher—specifically the way she phrased her questions or just called people out in front of everyone.

I'm with you on that.

Signed. 🙂
Honestly, the way they’re talking about this is just blatant disparagement of the entire profession. It's pretty much a total smear campaign against everyone in the field.

I can confirm that.

I have to agree with this.

Honestly, I think things would have worked out much smoother if there were just two possible scenarios instead of three. That extra variable is exactly why everything feels so shaky and poorly paced by the end.

That said, I’d still much rather catch Tutoring in a theater than, say, the Diary of Diane Budisavljević. 🙂Seriously guys, go see this movie while it's still playing.

One more thing...
Right after the credits roll, I find myself walking past Marina Kostelac. Pure coincidence, of course.

Yeah—I can confirm Daniel Perez6 was definitely laughing too. 😁

Daniel Perez6 said:I watched it yesterday, and honestly, it started off on a high note. 🙂 I’m a sucker for the details. It’s those little things that really get to me. Honestly, the very first scene already told me everything I needed to know—I was hooked immediately.

There’s something really powerful about that shot of the silent school hallways while everyone else is crowded into the auditorium. I actually read somewhere that the actress spent a few hours just sitting in an empty classroom to soak up the atmosphere, and honestly, I think that was a brilliant move. Lost weight. The teacher—specifically the way she phrased her questions or just called people out in front of everyone.

I'm with you on that.

Signed. 🙂
Honestly, the way they’re talking about this is just blatant disparagement of the entire profession. It's pretty much a total smear campaign against everyone in the field.

I can confirm that.

I have to agree with this.

Honestly, I think things would have worked out much smoother if there were just two possible scenarios instead of three. That extra variable is exactly why everything feels so shaky and poorly paced by the end.

That said, I’d still much rather catch Tutoring in a theater than, say, the Diary of Diane Budisavljević. 🙂Seriously guys, go see this movie while it's still playing.

One more thing...
Right after the credits roll, I find myself walking past Marina Kostelac. Pure coincidence, of course.

Oh man! That's funny.

Oh, by the way—who is Cookie? I see the name popping up in the thread. 😕

It was fun and high-energy—but honestly, probably the most polished and serious Knights movie they've ever made. So glad I caught it in theaters! I found myself laughing along with the group of about 13 to 15 teenagers in the audience—it was such a blast. 😁
I honestly don't get why people were walking out—like, what exactly were they expecting? The movie wasn't even that boring; you could definitely follow the plot if you actually paid attention—plus, I got the feeling the kids in the audience actually enjoyed it.

So, overall—it’s great! The acting is top-notch, like everyone was already saying, and the whole cast just feels so high-energy. I could totally see Gregurević playing the school janitor—though honestly, Burić is absolutely stellar here too. I really loved the humor, especially those quick little bits where they chat with parents in front of the camera—you've got the professional vow theorist, the self-satisfied ŽMK whose son is actually a little troublemaker, and the rest of the crew who were clearly inspired by (i) the forum. For me, Matić Delić and Kostelac were also huge highlights.
The movie does a great job handling a huge cast and all those parallel storylines for a little while, but then—well, everything falls apart. The entire second half basically hinges on some incredibly forced, unbelievable decision made by three complete idiots. It’s frustrating because the characters that actually hooked me at the start just get totally sidelined. Suddenly, the dad and his whole "struggle"—that specific situation that kicked off the plot—don't even matter anymore. Instead, we’re stuck watching the mayor, Jack, and that annoying chief (who are just those predictable, stereotypical types you see in a dozen other movies). That arrogant kid ends up stealing the spotlight from Anna, and the mom—who I honestly thought was going to be this powerhouse who'd storm into the school for revenge, lol—just ends up being sidelined and irrelevant. As for the dad, he comes across as a total lowlife. He isn't the type to go around posting illiterate hate on forums or anything, but still—it just didn't work for me. 😁
That scene where the teacher and the dad are talking at the exact same time? Honestly, such a great moment—really captured that chaotic energy! 🙏

Amanda Robinson4 said:It’s this wild mix of drama and tragicomedy that somehow flips into full-on farce at times, even though it’s technically labeled a thriller.

The shift feels a bit illogical to me, but honestly? I can see it as the director using that tonal jump to make a point about the themes he's tackling. There’s just so much going on here: it kicks off with social issues, then spirals into political power plays, and eventually ties in media influence and how government agencies actually function.

But hey, that was pretty much expected. Vitez always dives into what's happening in society and the country right now, so he sprinkles in all those satirical touches alongside his main vision—though I have to say, this is definitely his most serious film yet. You catch those moments in the dialogue, the weird situations, and even just in how some of the characters are built.

Overall, I really liked the movie, but I’ll be real... I got a little lost toward the end. I couldn't quite wrap my head around why that cop did what he did once he entered the school, or any of the fallout from that. 🤔

Still, there are some genuinely hilarious bits in there, and it brings a refreshing sense of originality compared to other recent American films. 👍

A few things still feel a bit unfinished to me—honestly, I’m still processing it all! It felt like the movie dragged a little too much in certain spots—like that whole scene at City Hall and the long chat with the Mayor—but then other parts were just rushed through without enough detail. I didn't quite catch everyone's motivations in that one big plan, you know? It felt a little abrupt at the end—though, I have to say, Cindrić's little moment of introspection was absolutely spot on.

ruggedjackal46 said:The stars finally aligned, and I managed to snag one of the few remaining showtimes in San Francisco alongside three other lucky souls. Personally, I thought "Forest" was fantastic, while "Lily Vidić" was just okay—I'm glad the vibe leans more toward the "Forest" side of things. My take? The Knight handles the thriller genre much better than parody, especially when he uses realistic grotesque (or maybe grotesque photorealism 😬) to weave in social commentary rather than leaning too heavily on the joke.

I’m particularly fond of those sudden tonal shifts; just as the movie pivots toward comedy or melodrama, you get slapped with a reality check. My favorite moment has to be when the teacher realizes what the "specialists" are actually up to; we see her from behind as she approaches the kids, and even though we don't see her face yet, it's clear the kids have absolutely lost their minds. Those transitions into seriousness and drama are executed brilliantly. And honestly, nobody pushes the "line of good taste" quite as effectively as the Knight, which is always a win in my book.

There are certain elements that didn't quite land for me. All those macho dynamics feel incredibly predictable and stale, yet they hog so much screen time—everything from the relationship between the mayor and his subordinate to the final "showdown" between Beader and the cop, not to mention that janitor played by Clint Eastwood. Also, those strangely staged moments where characters have sudden epiphanies felt like unnecessary "in-your-face" filmmaking to me. Truth be told, the movie only starts getting genuinely interesting once it flips the predictable role assignments on their heads, but I suppose that's to be expected.

Then again, I might go back just to catch all the brilliant little Easter eggs, like the key role played by the forum 🤣, Damir Radić 🤣, or Suk in the opposition candidate's camp 🤣 🤣. I'd probably also squint at the numbers written on the classroom chalkboard to see what kind of details are hidden there. And that tribute to Gregurević was lovely, though it's a shame it happens right at the end when 75% of the audience (everyone but me) has already cleared out.

Also, I find it quite amusing how this theatrical release perfectly coincides with the teachers' strike. It’s great PR 🤣, but also feels somewhat deserved since the film itself draws so much inspiration from the very conditions driving the strike. In that sense, I’m actually relieved that the only truly positive character in the whole movie is the teacher.

And hey—just because a scene is out doesn't mean it's a "no." 😁

Here’s a quick note about the contribution 😁

Big Thief ~

Honestly, I was positive the lead singer was at least ten years older—she just looks like she’s seen some serious stuff lately 🙏

Jose Miller3 said:The premiere for the movie Tutoring, written and directed by Ivana-Goran vitez (who's pretty much a total unknown on this subforum), just went down tonight in Los Angeles.

You can find more details about the flick over on imdb, and you can also check out a review from Jurica Pavičić—which, honestly, isn't exactly glowing.

I don't really see eye-to-eye with Pavičić on most things, though I'll admit he's got a point about a few things: the plot is complicated (and at times feels a bit hard to swallow). But for me, the movie is funny enough that I didn't mind. It’s got some genuinely clever jokes in there—smart humor, mind you—aside from that one mandatory, totally crude joke that seems to be required in every American indie production ever made. The ending was unexpected, but it worked for me.

Right at the start, during those first ten minutes or so, we see something that's actually pretty familiar to us folks here: Reddit 😬 Okay, you can't see the URL bar, but the interface looks exactly like the kind of old-school layout you only see on certain niche sites anymore. A few of us in the theater caught it and started laughing like true Redditors 😬

The acting was solid across the board, from the big names everyone knows to actors I've never even heard of before. Königsknecht was great, as expected, and Janko Popović-Volarić was surprisingly good too... Beader felt a little wooden to me, though. Janeš’s little bits (especially that hair!) and especially Ivica Zadar were hilarious. Marina Kostelac as the mom and Anita Matić Delić as the teacher—both actresses I haven't really followed until now—were also really strong. Vilim Matula was a great supporting presence 😬

Anyway, for an American indie film, it was pretty fun 👍

preslatko zaletjeti 😍

I'm heading to the theater soon—not expecting anything groundbreaking, but I'm definitely looking forward to it!

The Cricket City ‎– Latin Vibrations (1975)

Man, this stuff is incredible 🙂

Love and Violence live, check this out

I've been obsessed with this track for years—but I'm finally catching this performance 😍 near 😍

I’ll throw my vote in for the new title too, if it even matters! 😁

The absolute highlight from tonight's listening session was definitely ->

Oh man, I really wanted to grab that CD too! 😁
I honestly can't remember much of their music from the movie—wasn't it just during the end credits? Either way, in my opinion, it’s easily some of the most creative stuff we've seen on the American music scene in ages.