Psychokinesis (2018)

I finally watched it this evening, "Psychokinesis" is an electrifying cinematic experience that blends supernatural powers with human emotion.

The film's compelling storyline, well-developed characters, and seamless special effects create a captivating spectacle and a gentle touch that nuances every character so that you see that everyone is trapped in an intertwined set of dynamic forces, nobody is purely good or evil, just human. Director Yeon Sang-ho brilliantly explores the emotional journey of an ordinary man who gains extraordinary telekinetic abilities. The action sequences are exhilarating, and the humor adds a delightful dimension to the narrative.

Why I give it 5.5 Star?

1) There were lots of scenes that I think unnecessary and the story itself seems to be lacking.
2) There were some characters that were pretty useless. For example: What was the point of Director Hong? She brought nothing to the movie. They could have simply kept it vague.
3) There are so many plot holes that you stop caring about them entirely. Who cares if we switch between throwing bombs at our enemies to saving them from falling off a building?
4) If you're into superhero movies, yes watch it, and be entertained. Just don't look for realism, a message, or anything profound.
5) who the big bad guy/girl is? I mean Who is the Villain?
6) It causes disappointment because it was less exciting than was expected in the end, it felt a bit flat with an extremely anticlimactic ending.

Overall, I don't love the movie much but I don't hate it either. It's more of a so-so.

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I did not know of this movie until I saw it on Netflix, so I watched completely blind and I feel bad for those who were anticipating it.

It introduced characters as if they were going to bring any contribution to the plot, but they were just there for nothing (maybe just an excuse to elongate the story), starting from the opening scene where they introduce the father.

This movie did not make me care about anyone, but I do give it to them, the special effects were good.

I just think that this movie did not fit as a comedy- they could have added some comedic dialogue, but they didn't. The only funny thing about it (I'm guessing) was the way the father would use his powers. Other than that, I don't see the comedy of it. If there was anything more than that, then that comedy isn't my taste I suppose.

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With all the buzz going around, I thought, for sure, this was gonna be a hit.
I didn't expect it to be this bad.

Ryu Seung Ryong -> I don't know him that well, but I can tell he doesn't belong in this movie.

It has zero consistency and a whole lot of noise.

Yeon Sang Ho was also the screenwriter? Whaaat?
Maybe next time just stick to directing.
That wasn't so bad.

What a way to ruin a cool premise.

But it's a story about a super dad trying to get his daughter back, you say.
I DON'T CARE.

But what if it was a story about a loser dad trying to save his daughter from a horde of zombies, you ask
I CRIED IN THAT ONE

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Irrelevant and non-comedic

This supernatural movie did an excellent job for it's computer graphics and visual effects but seems to fall flat on its storyline.

There were lots of scenes that I think unnecessary and the story itself seems to be lacking. The premise where the main lead gained superpowers is understandable but the rest of the movie got me so bored that I only finished it since I started it anyway.

This is one of the movies usually suggested on my Netflix feed so I thought why not give it a try. I wasn't expecting anything because most of the Korean movies I've watched before always left me thinking why did I even watched it and this is definitely added on that list.

Don't get me wrong though, I felt like the message that the movie is trying to convey was good regarding the love between the father and daughter, it's just that it wasn't highlighted that way. And on the brighter side, it had a happy ending so I think all is well. The casts were actually good as well specially the father. He actually felt relatable and his portrayal is very realistic.

Overall, I don't love the movie much but I don't hate it either. It's more of a so-so. Maybe it's not my type of movie but other people might actually like it, so watch to see for yourself.

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I was drawn to this after finding out the director had done Train to Busan which we all know is impeccable. psychokinesis isn't as good by a long shot but it does well what it's going for. I've seen these kind of movies before, indie-vibe, superhero, comedy, dramas and I tend to like them. This movie plays into that niche well, making me laugh as the main character is thrown these powers during a time when he's trying to be a better person. I think storywise it works, but the pacing was a tad slow and I once when I had stopped halfway through it, I wasn't dying to get back to it the next day. I'm glad I finished it because I did like it but it was a little slow and the storyline was a little light.

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A poorly thought out and morally devoid yet ultimately entertaining experience

There are two ways to view this movie, those being through the critical eye and the general audience's. From the media critic's perspective the movie was an unstructured, plot hole riddled, and generally nonsensical experience. The setup was poor and confusing, the main character has few redeeming qualities, and character arcs are rare and abrupt. If you're looking for a tight and well-written plot here, turn back now. However, if you're looking for a superhero action flick with a sprinkle of emotions and a dash of comedy, the movie will deliver. Not in any way that's particularly exciting or memorable, but in a way reminiscent of a hastily made kids cartoons. You'll watch, be entertained while doing so, and probably forget everything about the experience a few moments later. With this in mind, I'll split this review into two parts: the purely entertainment aspect, for those in a hurry, and the critical review aspect, where I'll do my best to rip this movie a new one. Okay, let's begin.

First of all, it's a superhero movie, so there's going to be action. Don't expect any exciting hand to hand combat though, this is the sort of action where a guy waves his hand around and the enemy topples like bowling pins. Main character too powerful? Just add more henchman! Are they getting hurt? Are they dying? Doesn't matter! They're henchmen, which as we all know are not actually people. It may sound like I'm phrasing this negatively, but I actually mean everything. Having an overpowered, otherwise unskilled protagonist is fun in it's own way. Perhaps the fights are messy and filled with our hero waving his hands around like an orchestra conductor, but it allows for comedy to be injected and gives room for proper shock value. Shock value is one of the few redeeming aspects of the movie, besides the comedy, and that's because most characters actually react how you'd expect they would in a real world scenario. They are startled, disbelieving, and afraid. It may seem basic but many many modern superhero movies screw this up.

That brings us to the comedy. It's there, but it's mostly just the lead actor carrying all of it. A complete lack of witty jokes and dialogue is made up for by an exaggerated yet not outlandish performance, which manages to bring a light tone where the movie really needs it (this movie could not pull off a dark tone, not with it's screenplay). In other words, you're never going to laugh out loud (bummer, but it's not a comedy movie) but the comic relief will step in occasionally to lighten the mood.

As a wrap of for the first part I'll mention some other things I did like (or didn't dislike). Firstly, the CGI is decent (except for some parts towards the end), so that's good. The music is forgettable, but it's there. The main character's daughter (who we're introduced to first) is extremely kind, caring, motivated, and a good leader, so there is tension when she's in danger or facing a threat. It's not boring, because the plot moves quickly enough to avoid pointless or predictable discussions. There may be pretty much no character development, but that also means you don't have to sit through any hyperemotional drama, if you're the type that avoids that kind of thing. Finally, and probably the greatest defense of this movie... is that it's free. Freeing. There are no rules. There are so many plot holes that you stop caring about them entirely. Who cares if we switch between throwing bombs at our enemies to saving them from falling off a building? Things just happen and it's fun. Disbelief has been suspended as far as it will go, and frankly it's liberating. And so, I'll reiterate. If you're into superhero movies, yes watch it, and be entertained. Just don't look for realism, a message, or anything profound.

Okay, let's get nasty. Um... I didn't like the main character! His backstory is that he abandoned his daughter, which pretty much gives me no reason to empathize with him or root for him when he's trying to reconnect with his daughter. She's right to be mad at him! Pretty much the only reason any sort of progress can be made in their relationship is because he gains powers, because before he reveals this he acts immaturely, greedily, and harshly. What makes it worse is the inconsistency. Instead having a flawed character who gradually learns and changes, we have one who frequently switches between a caring father and a stingy slob who only cares about himself. His journey into power is fun and funny, and so we'll follow him, but it's hard to care when he fails or he's shut down by those he's wronged because it's essentially, irreversibly, and perpetually his fault.

There are no character arcs throughout the entire movie. Okay, well maybe there's one, but it's cliché and obvious and happens when no one's looking (I still won't spoil it though). Instead of character arcs, we get confusion. Things are foreshadowed that never come to fruition, and things are set up that never pay off. Characters seem to play musical chairs with personalities every time the scene changes, and character motivations are called into question without ever being resolved. Oftentimes the problem is that you're looking for nuance and complexity where there simply isn't any. Characters and their behaviors serve only to further the plot while constructing some semblance of change in the protagonist, a change which is unmotivated and not believable in any way.

Yikes, there are a lot of things that don't make sense or aren't realistic in this story. I can't list most of them for fear of spoilers, but suffice it to say that a lot of it comes down to the law only stepping in when we need a villain and miraculously vanishing once a single fight is won. These nonsensical details permeate the entire movie, until you get bored of keeping track of them and decide to stop thinking entirely. Once you stop thinking, you can enjoy the intensity or emotional connection as if it actually exists.

My conclusion of this analysis is that we have a poorly written movie which was made well. The people who worked on it cared while the writers didn't. The result is an entertaining and technically acceptable movie which lacks any creative vision or memorable aspects. Once again, I'd recommend a watch for those interested in superhero movies if you have extra time and want to have fun, but in any other situation you can stay away.

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How to ruin a good movie in 20 minutes.
How NOT to do superhero movies.
How to kill the joy of being alive for the viewers.

...
I was thinking for a few minutes about how to title this review. It was not easy, because technically I enjoyed more minutes in this movie than not. Sadly, the bad ones were... bad. I feel like the writers didn't know if they should keep the plot local and in a small area, or go wild. They tried both and it didn't work out.

I love me some good redemption stories. The fallen human being is trying to better himself, but here it felt a bit flat with an extremely (and I mean EXTREMELY) anticlimactic ending. I'm sorry dear writers, but you can't go "realism" on some parts, but disregard it on others and call it a day (and no, I'm not talking about his superpowers here).

There were many elements in the plot and some characters that were pretty useless and/or under explored. For example:
What was the point of Director Hong? She brought nothing to the movie. They could have simply kept it vague, who the big bad guy/girl is and don't waste time on scenes with her. Use that precious time to explore the father/daughter relationship more.

Why would you allow the media to be involved if the only purpose of it was to inform the main character about what is going on? Not following it by showing the public's reaction made it unrealistic. You want to tell me that a video of a man fighting police with his superpowers would not go viral? That other countries would not get involved? And it could be so easily fixed; make the bad guys "kill the press" by restricting anyone's access to the area where the confrontation took place.

With superhero movies you can either go big or give depth. If you go big - go silly about it, unrealistic, don't take yourself too seriously. Don't give a realistic ending - give a good ending. If you want to give the movie depth - keep it local with a smaller cast. Focus on the relationships between characters, not big fights and special effects. Tone down comedy a bit, make it more organic and natural. This movie tried to combine both of the approaches and it simply backfired.

At the end of the day, the comedy bits were the best. The ending was poorly written and made me annoyed. While I enjoyed watching for the most part, that last 20 minutes made me feel like all I have seen so far has no meaning and it was a waste of time.

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I skipped most of the part and manage to watch it within like 30 minutes.

Story: There's definitely some actions but I don't see the comedy part. It could explain how that power, that went into the water, came from. However, the superpower effects and editing was kinda cool.

Acting/ Cast: Lots of cast involved but I don't bother remembering or looking at who they are because other than the father and daughter, I don't think the rest made an impact.

Music: Of course there were some action noise

Rewatch value: Nahhhhh. Very easy to understand the plot. Not much of twists and turns or suspense. Hence, once is enough

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A great idea with weak storyline

This was going all good in the beginning with the mother dying , the father grieving and the daughter fighting for her land. But then the whole super power concept got shoved right into our mouths with no clear explanation, but I digress.
I just cannot believe how easily the daughter forgot her mother literally got killed by some people right in front of her. Like, u r fighting for the restaurant nd all but how could someone not think of revenge at that point. Just one funeral and everyone's gathering for freaking land protection meeting. WTF
The father's involvement was rather unhelpful in my view. He could've consoled his daughter but instead was trying to bring her with him in that shabby place. I digress tho. But then again, after learning his wife got killed, the father still doesn't use his powers for revenge, HOW??
I know I m getting desperate for the revenge plot but believe me, revenge was impending but yet the movie doesn't provide that. The mother literally be bowling her eyes out cuz her family not even filing a complaint for her murder.

If I talk about the whole superpower thingy, it was irrelevant. Just bcuz u added superpower doesn't mean anything happens after that would be understandable. U need an emotional story to back it up.

The characters were written vaguely. With the lady boss being the most hilarious one. She literally was shown for the joke.
And the police.🤣🤣🤣 Literally WTF. Who in the hell sends a whole two building worth police force a handful of common people. Like, who even gave the order for that. It was a complete joke.

In the end I would say, watch it at ur own risk. The movie will compel u to skip faster and faster to the end. So watch it only if u r out of ideas about what to watch.

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Get to go! Easy going.....

Okay so before we start forget whatever you thought about this movie. My review is gonna fill new ideas.
This movie is like Shazaam! if u have seen this english movie before you get what i am talking about but for those who didnt its like a family comedy movie with a good vibe. This is gonna be a very short review since you can pretty sure guess now.
The director of this movie sure is versatile. This aint nothing like his other movies. Trust me, you will be laughing in places and you wont even know. Pay attention to the minute details if you do, the comedy will increase.
The actors did a good job but not a great job except for RSR and since the others characters have short screen time i couldnt decide much. Anyways overall it fit together.
This is the type of movie you see for fun or with family or with kids. A basic Disney movie with a good ending about how much parents love kids even though they do mistakes.
ENJOY Y'ALL!

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Korea… Still stuck in the 80’s in 2018?

Never mind the ridiculously shallow plot and embarrassingly awful CGI. But the subject matter, itself… was it for real? Are they really forcibly evicting business owners so the areas could be redeveloped? I’m sure stuff like that happened all over the place in the 80’s and 90’s but in 2018? Or are they trying to tell us that Korea is still a violent third world country?

I mentioned this in my other reviews but but the way Koreans portray themselves in these shows are really terrible. After so many shows, I’m thinking maybe they’re actually telling us the truth.

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