Xanadu (2022)

Slightly disappointed expectations but an enjoyable watch

I watched this for Karry Wang. The trailer looked good, but the movie itself was... not quite what the trailer made me expect?

The plot is pretty straightforward and easy to follow, the acting or rather, perhaps characters/characterization, left me skeptical and baffled at times. This is a decent, enjoyable watch (and if you find yourself disliking/hating it, have fun hate-watching it!) but I had the hardest time with the cinematography. I do not understand the style of cutting some scenes in this particular way, it adds effect, sure, but it confused me in a few places because I wasn't sure if anything was a flashback. Also not a fan of using a fish/wide lens towards the end because it removed me from the immediacy? *shrug*

tl;dr, not the quality/depth I was expecting but an interesting premise with a decent execution. If you're also here for Karry Wang and got 1hr 53mn to spare... why not

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Heard bad - expected bad - was not that bad

[Spoiler free version]

I’ve seen negative thoughts on this movie. They were mostly based on the character’s actions not the story.

I admit, I did watch this movie because of Karry Wang, and I have to say I was pleasantly surprised with his acting. It’s not out of this world, but I’ve seen worse, so I’m not adverse to it.

The style that this is filmed in is what I like, it has a somber overtone, and a bit confusing with it’s cuts. I enjoy watching things that leave me confused. That may not be the thing for you, but it was a little confusing at times.
But in the end, it doesn’t leave you wondering in regards to plot. It ties everything up.

It’s not a gut puncher with emotions, but it’s definitely not happy either. I think it’s good for a watch when you have time, it’s a revenge plot, sort of mystery? It doesn’t really hold your attention, but it’s still entertaining to watch. The story is nothing new, but I’m fine with that.
It was pretty (visually) to watch, I like looking at sets and such, so that was one of the more interesting parts of this movie lol
The backgrounds were all really nice.

If you’re looking for happiness and such, don’t watch it.


[review with spoilers, beware, the whole ending is said]

SO.

People seem to not like the decisions that Xiao Yu (FL) made. Selfish and stupid. Unwise. If she had just gone to the police with the evidence Meng Yao (ML) wouldn’t have had to die.
While yes, logically, that is true. I didn’t get that all when I was watching the movie. Her actions (to me) fit with her current state.
While Zhu Fang Zheng (her beloved godfather) is the man who killed her father, she didn’t know that. At the time of her father’s death, he became her guardian and caretaker. She loved him, she trusted him, and she cared for him.
To learn of someone so close to you, not only being not who you knew them to be, but your father’s killer? That’s going to destroy you. Not only that, but you’ll have denial.
Her hesitating on wanting to turn in the evidence was annoying in terms of justice, but it wasn’t annoying regarding the character’s situation.

Meng Yao’s death.
I wasn’t expecting it, but it also didn’t really hit that hard. Not as hard that main character deaths usually do. I wasn’t too attached to his character, but I was sad for the FL.
They could have not killed him off, it wasn’t necessary. But it was just one of those plots I guess.

Overall, I did enjoy the movie. I don’t regret watching it. Will I watch it again? No.

It was a nice way to take a break (I watched this movie in increments while working, maybe that’s why I didn’t get attached to the characters lol)

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