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Brief and not-so-brief opinions: Part 2

"I saw it a little while ago, but, um…yeah, I remember, uh, you know, it was…I liked it." -Carl from Enemy

By 'Vive AkughaPublished 8 months ago 17 min read
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Image Credit: Posters from different sources

Murder Mystery 2, Love Tactics 2, Mission: Impossible-Dead Reckoning Part One, #RealityHigh, Bullet to the Head, Home Wrecker, Fake Profile, and Ìjakùmò: The Born Again Stripper.

The 'brief and not-so-brief opinions' articles are my outlet to rant about or appreciate movies, shows and their elements. I will express my thoughts while watching and after or only after watching, it depends. I will not be rating. These are not spoiler-free for the most part and no research will be made for or about them(unless curious or accidental which would be mentioned). They are in no particular order of recent watching as well. However, the opinions are in order of viewing the movie or show (for the most part). This wouldn't be as structured or detailed as well and there would be no set number of picks per article, it would be just as things go. It is intended to be casual. So think, conversations about movie plots, characters, topics-so something like that. 

If you like this, you can get more of my articles when you subscribe to my account. Also, feel free to follow to comment with your opinions.

Murder Mystery 2 (2023)

Image Credit: Screenshot by me

(previously wrote on this in my Murder Mystery 2 is coming out soon! and for my Mysteries and some movies article)

  • Fitz?? How random. Not another cheating claim, ha!
  • They quit their jobs and went into business after the last movie? That's crazy, why would they-oh, they took exams never mind.
  • They seem like an authentic couple-messy, supportive and beautiful all at the same time. I like their relationship.
  • Wow, the Countess really doesn't like Americans which is kind of consistent with the first movie as Nick and Audrey were belittled as "the Americans" but were the heroes in both situations as Vik praised them ( "The heroes of Lake Como").
  • I like that Delacroix did not betray them and is actually their friend now. He seemed more personable in this.
  • I knew that money would not be theirs truly, they should have gone straight to a bank or something but oh well.
  • No one from the original gang died but are still friendly and are in touch with Audrey and Nick.
  • Nick did an Indecent Proposal reference again. He spoke to Francisco about Audrey as he did to Charles in the first movie.
  • Again, Audrey references her hairdressing experience when speaking to a suspect (as she did in the first movie).
  • They did the car-driving-position change again like they did at the end of the first movie.
  • Delacroix still does his smoke rings like in the first movie and Nick still questions how he does it.
  • I prefer this outfit reveal for their breakdown compared to the one in the first movie. Both are good but this is lovely.
  • Audrey just loves experiences, I'm happy for her.
  • Everyone thinks they're amateurs but they prove themselves each time.
  • Again, the undervalued person is the real culprit or at least one of them.
  • Crazy that they warn Imani right before she dies but Imani kills the Countess before saying 'triple cross'. Nick and Audrey reference the tropes mentioned in the first movie.
  • I was wondering where I knew the helicopter pilot from, he looked familiar and I still thought so after watching couples retreat. I checked and realized that I knew him from Telemundo's Santa Diabla. Funny enough, I remember the Santiago character the most but his face still seemed familiar.
  • I liked this movie, it's a good sequel as well.
  • The movie's ending either leaves us optimistic (because they always find a way) or baits for a third movie.

#RealityHigh (2017)

Image Credit: Screenshot by me

Better than I expected. Loved seeing Kate Walsh, Keith Powers and John Michael Higgins.

Ask Taktikleri 2 //Love Tactics 2 (2023)

Image Credit: Screenshot from Netflix on YouTube

(previously wrote on this in my Brief and not-so-brief opinions: Part 1 article)

  • Can't believe the pilot was like that. Crazy and horrifying as a passenger.
  • I knew she was still going to Dubai lol
  • There were several things consistent with the first movie. These include; the tear vase, the piano and the significance of playing it, the scheming and plotting, and Kerem's grand gestures (With them, she faces her fears but unlike the first movie, she had her relaxants this time).
  • This movie is about:
  • Having your own story, individually and together.
  • About making something your's.
  • What type of person you want to be
  • Considering and discussing the type of marriage both people want.
  • Dropping the games and communicating
  • Balance, understanding and compromise.
  • Asli truly ended her blog to start her own fashion company 
  • Cansu got married to Tuna
  • I loved Kerem's proposal. The piano-playing moment was extremely important and touching in the first movie.
  • She broke his heart again after his profession of feelings but this time they discussed it immediately. They had an honest conversation.
  • They go against the cliches as they make fun of stereotypical things saying 'cliche'(even though they also partake in some cliches as well).
  • They're too tactical, which as we have seen in movies before, can get out of hand.
  • This is similar to the Two Can Play That Game movie focused on Shanté and Keith. Their stubbornness to play games and one-up each other became irrelevant compared to their love for each other, therefore, leading to an honest and happy result for them.
  • I was surprised that Bulut wasn't shown more or shown having any interest in Asli since the guys were so scared. So, he didn't even get the opportunity to be a threat to their relationship.
  • Asli and Kerem took a leap of faith together despite their fears. They got married. Everyone in both of their friend groups is doing well. Love this for them.

Perfil Falso// Fake Profile (2023)

Image Credit: Screenshot by me
  • I can't believe Pedro didn't save Tina as she was arrested.
  • I liked that Pedro defended Camila against Sofia, it was sweet. May not be with the best intentions but it was nice regardless.
  • I can't believe nothing happened to Luigi.
  • Poor Lucas. He was extremely angry and felt betrayed by his father for not being an upstanding guy anymore. I get that he was hurt and tired of his mum getting hurt but he was really invested.
  • Kind of happy for Miguel when he decided to be noble.
  • I wish we had more backstory on Miguel's life before the Ferrer family. They said he was poor but I think seeing his life and his relationship with Angela would've helped to understand. 
  • I kind of felt bad for Miguel though, in terms of never feeling enough for Angela and Pedro. It's a constant battle he has to fight every day in his personal and professional life(since he works for him too). A sad reality that drains people.
  • In the end, we see that Miguel is officially a free man like he wanted. However, did he lose touch with his kids too? Not like Lucas cared but Ava maybe.
  • I wish we saw a flashback to the planning of their (Camila and Miguel's) fake deaths to see when she told him about Tina, why she was there and how they came up with the plan. Without that, we are left questioning how Miguel survived the car crash and explosion. We saw that Camila was okay. However, we also saw her reaction to David saying Miguel didn't make it. Miguel even said that Angela didn't try to help him out of the car after the accident, meaning it was him but he had no damage, unlike Angela who was not close but had to use crutches.
  • That was the second time that Angela just abandoned a body. Yes, she was in shock but it's puzzling still. After she believed she killed Camila, she called Miguel who surprisingly came to help. Interestingly, she kissed him since she appreciated that he was doing the clean-up and both were bound by this secret elongating their stay together before the accident she believed would remove him from her life finally. 
  • I felt bad for Angela. She seemed alone despite having some people to turn to. Miguel had cheated on her before with Ximena, whom he promised to be divorced for so that they could run away together. He didn't follow through but surprisingly she did. She left her husband and daughter but left her. Miguel had promised Angela change after this but it didn't stick as he got involved with Camila. She's been through this and felt betrayed again. She was emotionally tired from the questionable character, judgement and intentions of her father (to whom she always gave grace)as well as the reality that Miguel didn't seem to want her as her family unfolded. She's a working mum and heir to the family company. She worked above Miguel and eventually became the new CEO. She saw Lucas in pain and tended to him as she was in pain. After she was arrested for murder, she talked to Adrian about how their father's funeral went. She is full of anger, resentment and pain as she said that the workers were ungrateful for not coming to her dad's funeral. She said she would make his image memorable again and with that, you can see her turning into the very mobster she feared her dad was to have revenge and power.
  • I was sad for her for a while but I was surprised that Camila was working for Tina because I didn't expect it, however, it explained her persistence with Miguel and finding out more about him. It also explained her endless reserve of money. Yes, she worked hard and all but we would have expected her to get a simple job at some point to get more money. She got new clothes, rings, new furniture, a new car, and rented the house. Even David she pretended with was curious. 
  • Poor Camila saw her mum experience domestic abuse and experienced it too-terrifying generational trauma.
  • I was so happy when she was able to text David and that they found her. It's twisted how Vincent was actually trying to save her from these people but he was not safe to be with either.
  • I was happy Vincent died because Camila would be able to live in peace.
  • I was happy that Camila was alive to be able to keep her promise to her mum (to get her out of prison).
  • Tina and Pedro were so evil for bringing Vincent there. They knew that he was abusive to her and had put her in the hospital twice but hey, he works for the plan. Pedro was willing to work to get Miguel and Cristobal out of his children's(Angela and Adrian) lives at any cost including hurting the people he hired to do it.
  • Inti was for the Ferrer family haha but seriously though, I was happy Adrian broke up with him when he did because things could have gotten really bad as we saw Pedro was very ready to kill him. It was interesting seeing Inti act out of character and be so angry when Adrian talked to him. He's been nothing but calm and collected so this was interesting to see as he was ready to risk threatening Pedro to marry him. I felt bad that Adrian was putting Cris and his fresh engagement on the line (talking about how he's a masochist for Inti) especially when it was part of a scheme.
  • Ahh! I know where I know Adrian from now, he was in My heart beats for Lola, ahhh.
  • I was so sad for Cristobal. He was actively watching Adrian lose interest in him and got framed. Cris was scared to tell him about his addiction which Tina used against him. Adrian didn't even stop him. He didn't even fight as Cris said that all he had to say was that they'll solve it and he'll stay. I was utterly shocked when they revealed Pedro's real reason he didn't want Cris for Adrian. They're brothers! yikes. Wait, but when Pedro was saying his reason for getting rid of him and Miguel, he didn't say that. He said that Cris was an addict which we see Adrian didn't like. He could manage an Only Fans page but not the drugs. I guess it's both but mainly the siblings thing. 
  • I liked David. He's sweet, reliable and trusting. He helped her out and was there for her even through the pretend husband charade. It's sad that he loves Camila and they're in a relationship because she's still not over Miguel and he's not over her as we see in the end scenes. He's still checking on her, sort of shadowing her to show he's still there and making sure she's okay. She smiled at him during her physical therapy class which showed she's amiable with him and he watched her performance later on. She believed David would be good for her, what she needs but not really what she wants and that's just sad.
  • I can't believe this all started from a dating app fake profile, well I can, but I wonder if somehow they made him do it and made her the target because they had been playing this for two years and although we don't know how long these events have been for, it seems like the plan had been in the works.

ÌJÀKÙMÒ: The Born Again Stripper (2022)

Image Credit: Screenshot from FilmOne Entertainment on YouTube
  • It has the same the Church is a goldmine ideology as in Man of God (article will be posted eventually) and Greenleaf.
  • Like in Swallow (article coming eventually), the movie brings up the discussion of other faiths (Ifa worshippers) and the evils of some Christian leaders.
  • However, despite the fact that both wanted to flee from their wives (one actually succeeding), Olajide was worse than Samuel in Man of God. 
  • I was surprised that his wife was left in the dark/unaware of who he truly was.
  • Jide had a hunger that was insatiable and made him despicable. 
  • He believed in God but doubted God's consequences as he thought his position and the people he was associated with were more significant than anything. 
  • He was selfish and did not mind trampling on others to be how he wanted to be. Asabi was betrayed by her love for him as he poisoned her and left her and their child in a fatal condition. She lost their child and was deeply hurt.
  • Her father warned her but she did not take it. Even Jide's brother, Wale knew he had many ill considerations but he loved his brother and carried on with him on the opportunity Asabi helped him secure.
  • Jide had said that Asabi no longer fit in his life which could be true but was horrible honestly after all she did with and for him. He criticized her look of long uncut hair and tribal marks as something that would not mesh well with his new image and Wale swiftly pointed out his hypocrisy.
  • However, Asabi was proud to have her long hair and tribal marks. She was proud to speak Yoruba, to be a Nigerian and to be the daughter of her father known as the strongest Ifa worshipper. Asabi accepted and appreciated her heritage.
  • The Sharon/Mary story was good. I was confused for a bit as well.
  • I was sad that Mary died and suffered.
  • I was happy that Asabi got peace in the end.
  • The movie is about morality(doing the right thing), accepting who you are and where you come from, greed, and more.
  • I enjoyed the movie. I saw it was produced by Toyin Abraham. I've known her as an actress but this movie was well done. I've seen her in more jovial roles than this but I enjoyed her depiction of Asabi. Everyone did well.

Mission: Impossible-Dead Reckoning Part One (2023)

Image Credit: Screenshot from Paramount Pictures on YouTube
  • I liked the movie in itself, separate from the rest of the franchise/film series. It was funny.
  • I wish they surprised me and didn't kill Isla.
  • The scene in the beginning with the gas was hilarious to me because I kept wondering if it was a new character or the entity personified somehow-Ethan totally skipped my mind.
  • They were so afraid of Ethan haha
  • Tom's cardio strength is amazing
  • I like Ethan's positivity
  • Degas made several points and I feel he would join them.
  • Jasper is Ethan's frenemy. He doesn't truly believe that he's a bad person despite the act he puts up.
  • Degas and Jasper are so incompetent that I'm convinced Jasper's just helping Ethan like he did at some point.
  • Ethan keeps helping Grace but she keeps running. True, she has no reason to trust him but he did not give her a reason to distrust him either. 
  • I know she doesn't have to wait for a reason to distrust him and she's been looking out for herself and all but still…To be fair, I don't know what she's been through either.
  • Also, I could not believe that she hadn't come back to save him from the train or to at least check on him.
  • Gabriel and his infinite knives! I actually liked that he didn't wait as they lay flat on the train. It shows that he's really evil and, therefore a great villain hahaha
  • The entity and it's power were interesting to me. From their talk of it, it seemed almost supernatural at times. I didn't understand how Gabriel was almost ghost-like in the beginning.
  • Regardless, the movie is about trust-building and the dangers of Artificial Intelligence. The AI aspect surprised me not because of it's alarming presence in today's society but because it was just unexpected.
  • My brother said the scene of Benji driving was kind of a missed opportunity for the entity to take over but I asked how would he be saved because story-wise- Benji was essential to Ethan and he wouldn't have been able to save him. Also, the thing they mention in the movie about mainly the women he's associated with die (well, apart from his estranged wife…but she is estranged soooo). And then Ethan would have failed his promise to Grace which seems to not be in his nature.
  • Wait, so does that mean Gabriel is going to die now that he failed the entity? or what?

Bullet to the Head (2012)

Image Credit: Screenshot by me
  • Surprisingly recognizable faces
  • Slater!! (He's in a lot of stuff I watch and enjoy like Archer and Inside Job)
  • Lmao he shot Taylor. Tbh he helped him because Taylor shot a lot of people since they first partnered up and this would help save his image.
  • Can't believe Lisa didn't go with her dad though, that's crazy. I mean it is dangerous and all but she still doesn't really know Taylor either.
  • Lol, they're besties now? Oh no, this is not what I expected hmm. Truly nothing much changed like he said.
  • Now, that's crazy that Taylor came to tell him that he and Lisa are seeing each other and he'll be coming after him if he breaks the law again
  • I guess it's because Taylor's killed bad guys so to speak that he doesn't feel guilty but for a second I thought he was going rogue.
  • Nkomo saying he knew not to trust a man who didn't care about money was hilarious.
  • There were a lot of bullets to the head too.

Homewrecker (2023)

Image Credit: Screenshot by me
  • Kenzie's a great villain
  • We love a woman with a plan hahaha
  • Clinton's delayed reaction after Kenzie kissed him was hilarious
  • She should have let Clinton talk, oh well.
  • Tamara is really trying to be positive and not go low.
  • Wow, thank her stars for Martin because Isabel was cut-throat 
  • It's crazy that she went to Lawrence's house.
  • It's good that Lawrence shut down the kiss though.
  • The fact that Clinton let Kenzie in is crazy.
  • It's kind of insane that he hasn't told her to leave or something
  • Oh, finally.
  • Oh, she should have punched Kenzie in the face. 
  • Tamara is so hopeful and calm. Good for her.
  • Lmaooo Kenzie is a repeat hater and destroyer, crazy.
  • Poor Michelle
  • Michelle said she creeps into your life and strikes when you're not watching. Definition of watching the people you surround yourself with
  • Good for Tamara wanting to stop running from things
  • Kenzie is creepy asl
  • Of course, she's not above killing
  • Oh, poor Lawrence
  • Poor Robert too
  • Lmao, her father could not bring himself to tell her that Kenzie could be her sister. Great decision.
  • I think she would break out of jail though but they don't show any hope of that.
  • It was not about getting back at Tamara. That would have been different because it could be seen as built hatred as the forgotten and abused child but she's done this before….sooo

If you enjoyed this, for more of my articles:

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About the Creator

'Vive Akugha

I write on various things: social issues, well-being, cinema and out of curiosity. More!

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