What does it mean a movie’s ending doesn’t “hold up?”
For films that are adaptations of historical events or public figures, it gets even more complicated.
As his rampage continues throughout Haddonfield, the citizens of the small town take notice.
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Throughout the evening, a mob forms and sets out to hunt Michael down.
For some, it’s an interesting and effective way to utilize a popular genre.
In the case ofHalloween Kills, this approach felt like too little too late.
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But when it seems like the credits are about to roll forAmerican Sniper, a surprise second ending begins.
This vestigial coda explores Kyle’s post-war activities assisting disenfranchised veterans, one of whom would ultimately kill him.
This journey into his post-war altruism isso heavy-handed it feels disingenuously saccharine.
Whether Shyamalan intended to reckon with such nuance is irrelevant because no such reckoning was borne out on screen.
Instead, audiences are left with two-thirds of a thrilling movie anda very sloppy ending.
Felix invites Oliver to spend the summer holiday at his family’s expansive country estate, the titularSaltburn.
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Audiences would likely say, “All the supporting characters in the film are apes.
The premise and plot of the film involve sentient apes.
Is it supposed to be surprising that he is surrounded by apes?”
That’s the film’s whole point!
That’s essentially what it feels like to watchSaltburn’s third act.
The attention was likely due to the film’s embracing of New Extremity.
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In fact, it renders most of the film nonsensical in terms of its chronology and logic.
As the minutes tick by,The Substancecontinues to pass over opportunities to explore other aspects of its theme.
Instead,its profoundly unsubtle message is emphasized over and over againin increasingly indelicate ways.
The film’s exploration of generational misogyny seems interesting at first glance.
However,writer-directorAlex Garlanddoesn’t seem to have more than a rudimentary perspective on it.
Moments before the pair begin the procedure, Audrey backs out, and Paul shrinks alone.
Image via Universal Picture
Few films have been done as dirty by their marketing asDownsizing.
Instead, audiences got a boring and preachy film that had little to do with being shrunk.
NEXT:15 Great Movies Ruined by Awful Endings
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