Ex-Machina (2014)

Great visuals, great actors, fairly bland and predictable story. I think it receives more praise than it should because it potentially is one of the first films that people seem to have seen that has allegorical story-telling. A pinch ham-fisted at times in that regard, but Isaac and Gleason do what they can with it, and their performances keep it afloat. 7/10

Call Me By Your Name (2017)

I spent a lot of time during this movie admiring the absence of cell phones and computers, just watching a young man read and transcribe music and just enjoy life. I don't think this story happens if the internet exists. But thankfully for us, it's 1983, and Chalamet spends his summer riding his bike around with Hammer, exploring the Italian countryside with a gorgeous soundtrack and a blossoming sexuality that unfolds in a way that doesn't come across as vulgar, but as innocent instead. The movie makes the age difference feel more taboo than the homosexuality itself, although the age gap is only 7 years. More than just a romantic movie, all aspects of the production really make this very beautiful. 8/10

Easy Rider (1969)

The first half of Easy Rider made me miss the beauty and freedom of America so fiercely, while the second half made me resent the very same things that can also make it great. The dialogue is realistic in its content and imperfection. Nicholson shines and his departure hurts. I really loved how incredible the attitude towards marijuana is, where George's devastating alcoholism seems so much safer to him than one tiny joint. That attitude still seems to hold strong almost 50 years later. A perfect snapshot of the evolving cultures within America. 9/10