Movie review
Poor Things is a cross between Frankenstein and Alice in Wonderland. One of the most original and freshest films I have seen in a long while. Emma Stone is a wonder as Bella Baxter. She fearlessly portrays the evolution of the creature animated by the mad scientist Dr. Godwin Baxter, played brilliantly by Willem Defoe. Mark Ruffalo shines as the nefariously debauched lawyer Duncan Wedderburn who whisks Bella away on a journey across the continents only to be quickly ditched by her as she outgrows him.
The story has as many twists and turns as a rabbit hole as it depicts Bellas’s evolution and sexual awakening. Poor Things is a feminist tale writ large.
Visually stunning sets and costumes are a feast for the eye that combines unusual Victorian features with a sci-fi futuristic look that dazzles.
Directed by Yorgos Lanithmos, who brought you The Lobster and The Killing of a Sacred Deer. This guy is quickly becoming one of my favorite directors.
This one will be hard to beat. I give it my highest rating. Definitely the best movie in 2023 in a field of hot competitors. Best seen on the big screen.
Ghost Dog 
My older son saw it and said it had some disturbing imagery. When I asked him if it was more extreme than “Killing a…” he immediately said yes. Not sure what he saw that put him off it. I loved The Lobster and liked The Favorite, but Killing spooked me and I still can’t stand Barry Keoghan because of it. I had to stop watching Dogtooth partway through. I’m on the fence about seeing this one, but I’m willing to be convinced if you want to try 😉
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I wasn’t disturbed by any of the imagery, I thought it was all delightful. I did find “Killing…” a bit disturbing but in a good way. I really like this director. But, having said that, he is not for everyone.
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Excellent review. I’m definitely looking to watch the film soon. Yorgos Lanthimos is a filmmaker that has a peculiar style of making movies that don’t appeal to everyone. I haven’t enjoyed all of his movies. That being said, I do admire Emma Stone who has always delivered strong performances. I loved her Oscar-winning turn in “La La Land”. Here’s why I adored that film:
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