VladWatchesMovies

Bio: A cinephile at heart. My ratings aim for clarity and consistency. A '50' represents a truly middling film – neither a triumph nor a failure. I arrive at my scores by carefully considering narrative, filmmaking, and personal impact. Join me in this ongoing appreciation of cinema; your thoughts are always welcome.

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79 _66%

Drive (2011) - Rated 19 Aug 2025

Ryan Gosling's performance is pure iconography; a stoic knight in a scorpion jacket. Drive operates on a hypnotic frequency, blending a killer soundtrack with shocking brutality and a heartbreakingly simple story. Yet, its devotion to quiet introspection occasionally misfires, turning what should be potent stillness into ponderous vacancy. It’s a minor flaw in an otherwise brilliant and relentlessly cool film that carves its own legacy.

85 _79%

Ballerina (2025) - Rated 05 Jun 2025

Ana de Armas kills the role she's given (pun 100% intended). The movie is clear and to the point, thrusting you into the beloved action quite quickly, and it just doesn't stop! Melding of the John Wick franchise is done in just the right amount. The visuals and gore factor are an honest 10/10; I was impressed by where they took it. The combat and story can get a bit too fantastical for me, but all in all, it's an excellent addition to the John Wick franchise.

88 _88%

Gladiator 2 (2024) - Rated 23 Nov 2024

This is a very good film! Initially, I worried that it would fail to live up to the original. While I still believe the original is better, "Gladiator 2" did not disappoint. The story was strong, the action was engaging, and the acting was well done. The only performance that took me out of the movie was Connie Nielsen as Lucilla; however, Denzel Washington truly shines, with great support from Pedro Pascal and Paul Mescal. This film is a must-see in theaters this year!

90 _92%

Marty Supreme (2025) - Rated 24 Jan 2026

Marty Supreme was a phenomenal, truly unique watch. The soundtrack was out of this world, with engrossing sound design and music that felt organic, not mainstream filler. Timothée Chalamet gives one of his top three performances, and the cast and dialogue fit A24’s pseudo realistic vibe, though a few odd scenes felt stark. It’s my #2 film of 2025 behind Sinners, only held back by a weaker love interest performance overall.

97 _99%

The Odyssey (2026) - Rated 18 Jul 2026

A genuine contender for the best film of the 21st century. Christopher Nolan delivers a breathtaking retelling of key moments from The Odyssey, supported by an exceptional cast, flawless practical effects, and terrifyingly powerful sound design. Every scene is packed with tension, beauty, and purpose. The ending is slightly less remarkable than what precedes it, but this is still Nolan’s magnum opus and an impossible film to look away from. Monumental filmmaking at the highest possible level.

70 _41%

The Fantastic Four: First Steps (2025) - Rated 02 Aug 2025

"The Fantastic Four: First Steps" reminds us what a superhero film can be. The cast doesn't play heroes; they embody them, a rare feat lately. While not rewriting the genre, its safe plot is a launchpad for stunning visuals, smart humor, and surprising depth. A confident, character-driven revival that makes me genuinely excited for Marvel's future. It’s the fantastic foundation we’ve been waiting for.