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Watching the "X" trilogy in timeline order seems like the best way(IMHO) to watch it. It works as the evolution of cinema(from Technicolor Normal Rockwell Old Hollywood vibe to Sleazy Gritty 70's Exploitation vibe to Coke Fueled Pastel Grit of the 80's vibe) or as a Parallel Paths story. Both Pearl&Maxine come from a similar rough upbringing/home life& both dream of stardom, but the 1 thing that sets them apart is "X factor"(or what people of the time think that is). Pearl is what happens when circumstances keep someone from pursuing their dreams(Married,acting as a caregiver,essentially the feeling of being trapped in one's personal hell), when defeat,doubt&dread consumes a person & they're having to "Live a Life That They Don't Deserve". Maxine is what happens when someone is able to not only free themselves from where they were trapped, but also has the determination to keep pushing till she achieves her goals. Maxine has the "X-Factor" due to confidence&drive, where Pearl doesn't due to letting her roadblocks keep her in that same personal hell she desperately wish to leave. it's basically a "damned if you do,damned if you don't" type thing. You can give up on your dreams or you can push forward & make them a reality. "I will not accept a life I do not deserve" is the quote that works for Maxine because she doesn't accept the life her father wanted for her&feels she deserves better. Sorry bout the long comment.
I dug it, personally. I still think Pearl is my favorite but this was fun. I like how all three movies have their own distinct style while still meshing properly.
The flick it called back to me most, along with all the DePalma references, was Paul Schrader’s “Hardcore,” which was made in ‘79, right when Maxxxine would have made it to Hollywood. Even the stuff like the sleazy detective, the religious overtones, and the 3rd act denouement. I get that some folks are going to be pissed that it’s not a slasher flick and that there was no showdown with Richard Ramirez, but I enjoyed it.
I think with the movies, it’s less about the storylines but more about the greatness that is Mia Goth. I thoroughly enjoyed her in all 3 in different ways
Man this movie bummed me out. Love me some Ti West, X and Pearl were great, but MaXXXine left me bored and scratching my head. And tbh the climax of the film kept making me think of Hot Fuzz. That's a great movie obviously but I don't think MaXXXine was supposed to stray into satire land. And I really, really think Ti West needs to shoot on film and get away from the modern, clean digital sheen and go back to filming like with House of the Devil and The Innkeepers.
Great review, Mike! I will say i felt the video store scene was a nod to the original Suspiria opening thrill. (Non spoiler.) I didn't think this movie was as good as some thought, but maybe this will change over time.
I like the movie for what it is. If you had follow Ty West filmography you will know that the movie is pretty much what it is supposed to be, if anyone felt let down is because they had too high expectations. I didn't like the first act much, but that ending was pretty damn good.
Wake up, everyone, Mike posted another review! 🥳 I’m seeing it Saturday! Can’t wait for it. Also, after listening to the review in full, I’m even more amped for it!!
Loved it. Mia Goth is so good here, even though I think Pearl is her best performance. Kevin Bacon was great too, and my goodness 80s Hollywood was a great backdrop.
As a huge fan of this revamp and Mia Goth, I feel like we are getting the antithesis of Pearl, someone who didn't give up and was given the chance to be a star and was willing to do what it took to become one, but I left the movie just wondering, did this really add anything to the overall franchise. I don't get the further exploration of Maxine as a character, it feels lacking. Maybe Pearl was so strong that I found myself underwhelmed, maybe I'm missing a certain commentary on life, but I found the inclusion of the Night Stalker a bit...boring. Either way 7/10 and Mia Goth is definitely final girl material.
Glad you pointed out how everyone keeps throwing “giallo” around - it’s like a new buzzword amongst RU-vid critics. Now the NWR comparison, I can get behind. I love that guys movies and shows.
It’s so interesting hearing your perspective vs some like critical overlords. Or just reading the comments it seems like people either appreciate the film for what it is or they thought it was a let down a little bit .. I was Gonna wait until next week but I’m going to go tonight cause I’m so curious
Thanks for the no spoiler review. I'm gonna check this out tonight. I loved Pearl & X. Thank you for pointing out how it's more of a crime drama. It seems like people go into some of these A24 films expecting one thing & are surprised when it's something else.
Kevin Bacon does such a great job in this. He helped make the movie. Esposito and Cannavale do a great job too. It was good to see a movie that was the 3rd in a series actually add star power. Usually the star power disappears later in a series.
Love that you enjoyed this. This is probably my favorite trilogy in recent years. Pearl is my favorite of the three, but I love that feeling of being super uncomfortable due to characters being unhinged.
totally let down, went in with no knowledge or expectations other than I had full faith they wouldn't fuck this up an it'd be good and yea they didn't fuck it up but it wasn't my thing at all
I can’t wait to see it!!! I love what Ti West is doing, cinema so needs what he’s doing with films. I hope he makes more slasher horror films in the future.
Alot of people use the word giallo way too much. I really did think this one had giallo vibes though. But thats just my opinion. I'm not sure if it was intentional but I thought I caught some references to the movie Pieces as well. Lol
I surprisingly liked this one, to me it's easily the best of the trilogy, well better than X, I haven't seen Pearl though... but i really liked this one, might rewatch it in future, 7/10
i thought it was BY FAR the weakest in the trilogy. Pearl & X are leagues above MaXXXine- which in my opinion was a bit all over the place pacing wise & structurally, and had a awful 3rd act. Most critics seem to agree as it sits at 75% on Rotten Tomatoes, while Pearl & X are both well above 90%. the best part of it was the soundtrack and the visual aesthetics.
Glad you liked it... I did too! Can't understand all the hate. Definitely reminded me of Tarantino's Once Upon a Time mixed with Fulci's NY Ripper, with some Argento and DePalma flair for good measure. For me, it definitely qualifies as a giallo film. If you look at the typical giallo tropes, Maxxxine employs many of them (black gloved killer, stylized camera work, murder set pieces, incompetent detectives, and a big reveal at the end). Can't wait to see it again and pick up on all the stuff I missed!
Still loved the movie but it fell flat for me just a little bit I just put it like this X-Horror Pearl- Character study Maxxxine- Drama Again I loved this movie and I think it concluded decently
I can already tell I’m not gonna really dig it and that my fav of the 3 will definitely be X because it was actually creepy with the scary old lady. Was hoping this would be more of a horror creepy movie
I’m glad we got this trilogy. So distinct and different, setting it in the 1910s, 1980s and 1970s really helped. I enjoyed what we got. It’s easy to critique choices they made with each instalment but it cannot be denied we are so lucky to have this.
just sad how there was only two murder scenes...and one was basically off screen...and then a big shootout at the end...wanted it to be a straight up crime slasher...it was a slightly horror comedy and slightly action.
Pretty film to look at but the third act was pretty wack. The villain had no real connection with the lead to point that he said he was this to this person. Yet they barely act like the know each other.
Honestly really loved this movie. It was a ride and so much more entertaining than Pearl. Even the so called bad 3rd act I enjoyed. Plus the music and cinematography were fantastic. Mia Goth gave a great performance and Kevin Bacon crushed it 😉
I think some things could have been more fleshed out for the ending to really hit. But overall I really enjoyed it and think it's a decent way to send out the character. AKA Ti West please don't make a fourth one.
I’m going tonight! My first time going to a film opening night. My parents always raised me on going on the last week so it not as full, but these days they’re never that full. Even for Maxxxine opening night at 7:40 there is only 21 seats sold so far. On top of that for some reason it’s only in one theater in the capital city of my state.
Hm I remember this film well I watch the trailer were she's like an actress and a mysterious cold blooded killer stalks starlet of Los Angeles for something going on so that's all I know
Great review man!!!! I am glade it is good,I enjoyed X,Pearl,and hopefully this one too.I like it is a trilogy.I am like you X was good,but not on the level people make it out to be.I think it is good like I said,but people make that movie out to be like the original Halloween level good,but not that level good in my opinion.
Mia Goth's performance was fantastic, but this film was okay. I guess I wish I didn't figure out the plot within the first few minutes. I did really enjoy the third act, though. 6/10. And for anyone else who enjoys Goth's work, make sure you watch Infinity Pool. That's her best work.
Did not care for it but I liked listening to your enjoyment of it! Good vibes for sure. Love Ti West still. I will say the NWR Hate at the end was dumb 🤷♂️
Everyone is saying the ending is lack luster.. I think the ending was amazing the only problem is that the killer SPOILER ALERT * * * Said the same damn thing he said in X and the beginning of maxxxine. I wish we would have gotten a Billy loomis type monologue from the killer.
@@WeWatchedAMovie OH MY GOD WWAM JUST REPLIED TO MY COMMENT!!! Yea I feel like they were going for a jaws type villain, having him lurk in the shadows but I agree, I wish the reveal was scarier. Been watching you guys for years love your channel. Bring back the skits!!! 🙏
What I liked about Maxxxine was that 1985 was an actual setting and not a “set piece”. Stranger Things 3 for example paints 1985 as a pop printed hyper bubblegum fantasy at times and forgets the cinematography of the first season. Maxxxine NEVER lets up on the 1985 aesthetic. It’s grainy and dark when it should be, neon and glowing when it’s relevant. It uses synth but doesn’t over rely on it and doesn’t use jukebox musical techniques to drive the plot. It feels like a movie from the time that you’ve known your whole life, INSTEAD of a movie trying to be another 14-15 movies. When Maxxxine references Psycho, there’s a point, for example. The Hollywood sign has an integral point too.
