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What's crack-a-lackin? I'm Sam Villafranca. You can call me Sam or Brie, but people mainly use Sam.

A film I'd like to rewatch is Wicked. I just adore everything about the film. The songs, the actors, the set, and UGHHH. I can't stop gushing. I'm already looking forward to part 2.

I like a lot of film genres. My favorite is horror and comedy. If I'm feeling lonely, I'll binge k-dramas with the corniest love stories and absolutely eat. it. UP.

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I’ve heard this name circulate when I got exposed to more media that isn’t Dora or SpongeBob. I kept telling others that I have seen this movie before… But I didn’t. I was thinking of the movie "Princess Diaries". I finally watched it during a film viewing in class and I can honestly see why it’s still so adored by many.

1. What happens in the film?
The Princess Bride follows the love story of Westley and Buttercup. After Westley is presumed dead, Buttercup is set to marry Prince Humperdinck. However, she is kidnapped by the trio – Vizzini, Fezzik, and Inigo Montoya. Westley, now the masked "Dread Pirate Roberts," rescues Buttercup, but just like any other movie, it is not before going through obstacles, including duels, a fire swamp, and Humperdinck’s schemes.

2. What were scenes that stood out to you – whether good or bad and why?
One of the most memorable scenes in the film for me is Inigo Montoya’s famous revenge line. After spending his life searching for Count Rugen, the six-fingered man who killed his father, Inigo finally faces him in battle. At first, he is wounded and appears to be losing, but through sheer determination, he fights back. He repeatedly says the now-iconic line, "My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die," each time growing stronger. His spirit and drive is so admiral. I know that if I was in that scene, I’d have just accepted my fate.

This iconic line has been referenced countless times in modern media, which just shows how deeply it resonates with people. The first time I heard it was actually in an episode of “The Big Bang Theory”, where the main 4 guys learned how to fence. Howard and Raj were dueling against each other and Howard said, "My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die.”

3. What were the production aspects or details that stood out to you – whether good or bad? Why?
The production of The Princess Bride stands out in several ways. The film’s practical effects, though sometimes outdated by modern standards, contribute to its charm. The film’s script is another one of its strongest aspects, featuring witty dialogue and a self-aware storytelling style. The film’s set design, while at times appearing artificial, adds to the fairy-tale aesthetic, making it feel like a storybook world brought to life. Costumes also play a big role in defining the characters, from Buttercup’s elegant dresses to Westley’s simple yet iconic black outfit. I actually thought he was Zorro since that movie was also iconic for me. The movies had a one year gap so it’s possible Zorro took huge inspiration from Westley. Another unique element is the film’s storytelling structure, which is framed as a grandfather reading a book to his sick grandson. This adds another layer to the film, making it feel like a classic bedtime story that generations can enjoy.

4. Was the film well made? Why do you think so?
I’d say The Princess Bride is definitely well-made. It mixes fantasy, adventure, romance, and comedy so smoothly that it never feels like too much. The script is both funny and heartfelt, and the characters are just unforgettable. Even though some effects feel a bit old, they actually made it feel more like a fairy tale. Scenes like Inigo Montoya’s revenge and that funny hill tumble between Westley and Buttercup really stuck with me. It’s easy to see why this movie is still loved today—it just has that lasting magic.

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I was first exposed to Rashomon through a poem back in my high school years, but honestly, I didn’t pay it much mind at the time. It just felt like another reading assignment we had to get through. The idea of multiple perspectives was interesting, but I didn’t really think too hard about what it meant. It wasn’t until I actually watched the film that everything kind of clicked. Seeing the story play out—how every character twisted the truth to fit their own narrative—made me realize just how deep that concept really is. Looking back, I kind of wish I had appreciated that poem more, because now I see how powerful that theme of conflicting truths can be, not just in stories, but in real life too.

1. What happens in the film?
Rashomon is basically about a crime. A samurai ends up dead, and his wife is assaulted, but what’s wild is that everyone tells a different version of what happened. There’s the bandit, the wife, the ghost of the samurai (yeah, through a medium), and this woodcutter who supposedly saw it all. The weird part? None of their stories match. You never really know who’s telling the truth, and that’s kind of the whole point.

2. What were scenes that stood out to you – whether good or bad and why?
The first thing that hit me was the opening scene with the pouring rain and the broken-down gate. There’s this feeling of hopelessness right off the bat, like something bigger is broken—not just the building, as if society collapsed. The way the rain keeps falling nonstop makes everything feel heavy and overwhelming, like the world itself is grieving or worn out. It set the tone perfectly—it made me feel like I was stepping into a world where people had given up on truth, trust, and even themselves. That ruined environment wasn’t just a background prop; it felt like a symbol for the collapse of moral order and the messiness of human nature.

3. What were the production aspects or details that stood out to you – whether good or bad? Why?
One thing that really stood out to me was how the same event was filmed differently each time it was retold. Even though it’s technically the same forest, the lighting, angles, and camera movements shifted with each version of the story. It made each one feel like its own little world, shaped by the character’s emotions and lies. I also noticed how the music would change depending on who was speaking, which made you feel more pulled into their version—even if they were lying. It was subtle, but it worked. Instead of just watching the film, I felt like I was being pushed and pulled emotionally, just like the characters were.

4. Was the film well made? Why do you think so?
I think it was very well made! It’s not flashy or filled with big effects, but the storytelling, acting, and cinematography are all so strong. It pulls you in and makes you think—not just about the plot, but about people in general. It’s not easy to make a film like that, especially one that still holds up decades later.

5. Based on these details and any additional knowledge you may have about Japan in the 1950s, what were your observations of the film?
Knowing that this was made just a few years after WWII makes it even more powerful. You can feel the uncertainty in the characters—like no one really knows what’s right or wrong anymore. Maybe that’s how Japan felt at the time, trying to make sense of what had happened and where to go next. The whole film has this mood of confusion and loss that fits with that era.

6. Why do you think this Japanese film would have made such a splash internationally?
It’s so different from the typical Western storytelling. Instead of giving you a clear answer or a hero to root for, it leaves you wondering. And I think people from all over the world could relate to that feeling of not knowing who to believe. Plus, the filmmaking itself was super advanced. It showed that Japanese cinema had something powerful to say.

7. What were scenes that stood out to you - whether good or bad and why?
One scene that really stood out to me—in kind of a disturbing way—was when the husband starts accusing his wife of being a whore. That moment felt so intense and uncomfortable, and honestly, it kind of shocked me. It wasn’t just the words he was saying—it was the raw anger and bitterness behind them. It made me feel how twisted and complicated their relationship must’ve been, and how much pride and ego were involved. It also showed how, even in death, he still wanted to paint her as the villain. In a way, I felt betrayed since he seemed to be presented as a devoted, loving husband, but that image was quickly torn apart.

8. Since this film's release, "the Rashomon effect" or its style of storytelling has been borrowed and used in various forms of media, such as films, animation, television series and music videos. What do you think is the appeal of this style?
Honestly, it feels real. Everyone has their own version of things, even in everyday life. It reminds me of times when I’ve had arguments with friends, and we all remembered things differently. That kind of storytelling sticks with you because it makes you question your own perspective. It’s frustrating, but also kind of brilliant.

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1. What happens in the film?
At first, The Birds feels like a light romantic drama. Melanie follows this guy, Mitch, to a quiet coastal town to surprise him with lovebirds. But then things take a strange turn. Birds, out of nowhere, start attacking people – first in small ways, then violently and without reason. What made it so unsettling is that there’s no clear explanation for why the birds are behaving this way. It just happens, and it keeps happening. It feels less like a monster movie and more like nature suddenly turning against people.

2. What were scenes that stood out to you – whether good or bad and why?
The scene that hit me the hardest was when the birds attacked the children during their fire drill. There was something especially cruel about it – kids running and screaming while birds divebomb them. That moment broke the illusion of safety, and it made me realize that anyone could be a target in this movie. It was chaotic, messy, and kind of heartbreaking to watch.

3. What were the production aspects or details that stood out to you – whether good or bad? Why?
The sound design– or rather, lack of sound, stood out to me the most. There’s no background music in a lot of the attack scenes, which makes everything feel more real and disturbing. Also, even though the bird effects look dated by today’s standards, I was actually impressed with how much effort must have gone into combining real birds, props, and early visual effects. It made the attacks feel chaotic and messy, which actually worked well for the tone.

4. Was the film well made? Why do you think so?
Yeah, I think it was really well made. Alfred Hitchcock was clearly a master of suspense. He didn’t rely on cheap jump scares. Instead, he built fear slowly. He made something as ordinary as birds terrifying, which says a lot about his skills as a director. Plus, the pacing, the characters, and the cinematography all came together to create this constant sense of unease.

5. Based on the film's conventions, what genres does the film fit into? Describe at least three elements of the film that showcase these conventions.
It definitely fits into the horror and thriller genres. First, there’s the slow-building suspense that’s typical of thrillers. Second, the bird attacks are brutal and unexpected, which adds to the horror element. And third, there’s a sense of isolation. Once the attacks start, it feels like the town is completely cut off and no one knows how to stop it. That kind of helplessness is common in both genres.

6. Based on the film's iconography, what genres does the film fit into? Describe at least three elements of the film that showcase these conventions?
The birds themselves become a kind of horror icon. Just seeing them gather in large numbers starts to feel threatening. Another iconic element is the small, peaceful town setting being slowly torn apart by chaos, which is classic horror. And of course, there’s the imagery of shattered windows, bloodied people, and boarded-up houses, which all scream survival horror.

7. How much would you be interested in exploring the other films of Alfred Hitchcock?
I’ve always leaned more toward the kind of horror that gives you jump scares and makes you shout at the screen. I like that rush, it’s fun in a weird way (I’m not a masochist, I swear). But The Birds showed me that horror doesn’t always have to be loud to be scary. Hitchcock’s way of building suspense is slower, but it really gets in your head. It’s more psychological and creepy, and I didn’t expect to enjoy that as much as I did. I’m definitely open to watching more of his films now, just to see how he plays with fear in different ways.

8. Alfred Hitchcock has a signature wherein he always has a cameo role in his films. Did you spot him in the film?
Not at first, but after another rewatch, I noticed him near the beginning of the film in the scene where Melanie enters the pet shop. He’s just casually walking out with two little dogs.

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I first heard about “Amélie” when I was doom scrolling through YouTube Shorts. I came across this clip of her finding the tin can hidden in the wall. Right above that clip was a subway surfers gameplay. I didn’t know much about the movie at the time, but the AI narrator made me want to check it out.

Random information drop: I’m learning French, so when I realized it was a French film, I thought, “Hey, maybe this could help me out.”. I told myself I’d watch it soon, but I kept putting it off, either school stuff got in the way or I was busy playing games. It just sat on my mental list for a while until it was a movie choice for film class.

ACT I

The movie starts by painting this very quirky, detailed picture of Amélie’s childhood and how she grew up kind of isolated from the world. Her parents were distant in their own ways, and she ended up spending a lot of time in her imagination, something I really related to, since I also tend to stay in my own little world. It shows her life growing up until the moment she finds that old tin can hidden in her apartment’s wall is where things start to shift. That one discovery kicks off her decision to quietly improve the lives of people around her.

ACT II

She was always helping from the shadows – setting people up, giving little nudges, or overall, just showing kindness. But at the same time, you could feel her holding back when it came to her own happiness. When Nino enters the picture, you can tell she wants to connect but doesn’t know how to break out of her bubble. I’m sure everyone has gone through this… not this scenario exactly. Like when you want something so badly but are scared to go for it.

ACT III

After all that hiding and dancing around her feelings, Amélie finally takes that leap. I found myself smiling at the screen when she let Nino into her life. It was not overly dramatic, but it meant everything because of how long she held herself back. That final shot of them riding through Paris just felt like peace. Like she finally allowed herself to be seen and loved.

It felt like a soft, quiet win after all the hesitation and overthinking. And honestly? It was the kind of ending that just makes you sit back and go, “Yeah, that’s nice.”

Expectations vs. Reality

At first, I honestly thought Amélie was just going to be some quirky, aesthetic movie about a girl in Paris doing random cute deeds for others. I didn’t expect it to hit me the way it did. It surprised me how much depth there was behind all the whimsy. It’s a feel-good movie, yeah, but it also talks about real feelings; loneliness, fear, and love in such a unique way. My expectations were kind of flipped in the best possible way. I thought it would be sweet, but it ended up being meaningful too.