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John Wick: Chapter 2 (2017)
Carries The Tradition
I am always apprehensive about viewing sequels to films I love. Hollywood's trend of destroying everything that attracted me to a movie has scarred me. Examples such as The Expendables 3 and The Mechanic 2 are recent ones that come to mind.
That being said I was pleasantly surprised with this entry. It expanded on the curiosity-grabbing sub-culture of the hotel from the first film. They wisely kept Keanu in his element...not speaking much, just kicking, punching, and shooting. It actually felt like an extension of the first movie. I am looking forward to the third, and hopefully final film. Baba Yaga.
Yi dai zong shi (2013)
Sadly, disappointing.
This film is yet another in the line of stories being ground out about Ip Man. It starts off promising with a visually stunning fight scene that gave me high hopes for the film overall. Directly following the initial fight scene the story line (at least to me) seemed to bounce around incoherently. Stretching certain scenes too long, rushing through others, and generally providing no "meat and potatoes" of the Ip Man story. In the end the story was full of fluff with no emotional grab on it's viewers.
The editing seemed rushed in parts, but I have seen worse. The fight scenes (which is all anyone cares about?) were done well, fairly eye grabbing, with good technique. If you are in it simply for the action and care not about the story, then give this a view.
Overall I would say this is completely inferior to the 2008 Ip Man starring Donnie Yen. The acting was not as good, the fighting not as smooth. For a fan of the genre such as myself I do not feel my time wasted with watching it, but I will not be buying this film on BluRay.
Rush (2013)
Made Me Enjoy Racing!
I had kind of ignored the previews for this since racing is a sport I have never really been able to get into, despite my wife's odd obsession with NASCAR. I have watched a few Indy-Car races, but it never quite hooked me. Well I can say that even though I might not just find racing my cup of tea yet still, this movie was amazing.
The story is compelling, the characters are played out extremely well, and the effects were amazing. The story is a real one, and touched my lil' heartstrings to the point that I researched it after watching the movie. The movie held true on all major points to the actual events of 1976. That in itself is different that most "true" movies. The characters were immediately hooking my attention as the arsehole of a racer against the man-ho of another clashed on the track. The effects of the races were quite nice, especially the key wreck in which the burn took place. If you compare the actual footage to that of the film it is hauntingly similar. Overall 8/10 and I will be buying on DVD/BluRay.
The Family (2013)
A Comedic Blend of DeNiro-ess
A saw a few previews for this and knew it was clichéd and probably not the best movie about a mob family, but I was persuaded by the terrific cast listing. The film quality up to the times, acting good, and story- line clichéd and still awesome.
While the story of this film has been seen almost time and time again in the way it plays out, the characters in the film hold it strong and make me fall in love with it. "The Family" is a lovable group of relations held together by the hatred of another. All around the death and explosions is a very grim FBI agent Tommy Lee Jones delivered in his normal dry yet adoring way. Scene after scene unfolds in a glory of guy film guts and blood. I LOVED this movie, and give it a 9/10 and will be buying on BluRay/DVD.
Elysium (2013)
Terrific for those who love Sci-Fi
I saw many previews for this that I found quite dull, and did not do it justice. The special effects were second to none, the film quality divine, and the acting crazy crazy good.
The story begins on a future earth in the land of rubble and trash. The rich people of the universe live in a huge satellite that has it's own atmosphere. As the people left on earth die each day in a world of sin and poverty, crews of criminals send people up to try and get healed on medical machines of perfection. It sets up the characters well, making you feel for them quite nicely. The action is decent, but not, in my mind, the focus of the movie. As a big fan of sci-fi I absolutely love this movie. I completely give this a 9/10 and will be buying on BluRay/DVD.
Red Dawn (2012)
A Patriotic Guys Movie
Before I start I will admit to the world that I have never seen the 1984 version of this movie with Swayze. While some might think that makes me ignorant for even attempting to rate this one, I would argue I watched this one with a clear mind and lower expectations making my rating much more true.
I saw several previews for this movie, and didn't watch for quite a while because I did not think I would enjoy it quite as I did upon viewing. The film quality was good, the special effects were decent, and the story completely hilarious and yet entertaining. The acting was as good as a movie of this caliber can bare.
While the story I found completely ridiculous and immature, the acting held up decently. This being said it was the characters that held my utmost attention. I enjoyed a movie that put itself forward as exactly nothing but a patriotic hard-on. It is an American in-your-face extravaganza at its best. As a red blooded male who eats steak I loved each and every minute of it. Overall a 9/10 and I will be buying this on BluRay/DVD.
Flight (2012)
An Emotionally Charged Story
I went into this movie not knowing exactly what story I was about to see. I had only seen one preview and it wasn't that good of one. As the movie played out I realized I was watching an amazing piece of film history. I firmly believe that Denzel Washington is one of the best actors of our time. In this movie, as most that he is in, I do not see him as Denezel W., but as the actual character he is portraying. He makes me believe him, which is key. This story is about a Pilot that has a drinking and substance abuse problem. Because of an in flight accident (A very edge of your seat piece of film) he was blood tested and caught. The way the story plays out, and the performances that carried it through are both amazing works of art. The whole movie felt like a true story that I was seeing happen before my own eyes. The topic of substance abuse in a career that holds public trust is also a very of-the-times type of piece, and I love every minute of it. Overall a terrific drama, a near perfect film, I give a high 9/10 rating (only reason no 10/10 is because of a personal lack or re-watch-ability) but will not be buying on BluRay/DVD.
Warm Bodies (2013)
Strangely Good
I had seen many previews for this movie, and didn't think I would be THAT impressed by the watching of it, therefore I put off the initial viewing. Now that I have seen it, I feel compelled to tell a bit.
The film quality was up-to-par of films nowadays as to be expected. The actors all provided performances that held strong for this type of comedy/horror. The story, while extremely cliché was done entertainingly enough that it held my utmost attention through the entirety.
The gore in this delicious ride of horror fun is at points eye-flinching (the eating of brains with juice running out of the mouth, anyone?), but stays brush-away-able as compared to the story unfolding and the actions of each character. A love story for the times, it shows how the power of a young persons attraction can win over the most cold of hearts. I found the entire movie not out loud laughingly funny, but a grin it kept on my face throughout. For those who believe it bares ANY resemblance to Twilight style of teen feces, then think again. While the sparkly vampire took itself so seriously it failed, this film keeps it's tongue quite in cheek. Overall 8/10, solid comedy, would definitely recommend to others, but not worth buying on BluRay/DVD.
2 Guns (2013)
Exactly What I Wanted
Film quality was great, acting on par, and action appropriately over the top but enjoyable. I had the awesome experience of watching this while pulling a 24 hour duty shift for the Army. It was exactly what I expected, and is one of the best bromance comedy-action movies of recent years. The way that Denzel W. and Mark W. banter back in forth is hilarious, and the action scenes are well shot out and entertaining at perfect levels of crazy. The characters in general in this movie are great by reaching perfect levels of what they are suppose to be in a cliché type film such as this one. They are annoying without being at the lame end of the spectrum. There is also a great level of....shall we say...bare skin to attract people in a sensual manner as well. Overall exactly what I expected in a movie of this variety, and if you want a great action flick, watch this one. I give this 8/10 stars and I will be buying this on BluRay/DVD.
Don Jon (2013)
Good, But Not Great
Film quality is on the level for todays movie industry, the script is witty and well written, the acting is good on all counts. That being said, I left watching this feeling slightly let down. It had some very humorous moments, and I was entertained throughout the viewing. The family was hilarious and I was highly tickled by all the dinner table scenes. As always Scarlett Johansson was outstandingly beautiful, and most of the other women in this were as well. A good representation of the GTL/Jersey Shore feel pop culture in today's modern America. Also covered a very relevant topic in the world of online pornography. All I know is at the end of the movie something felt either missing, or not quite complete. I can't put a finger on why, but that's just the way my mind works. Overall 7/10, decent comedy, great banter, but I will not be buying this on BluRay/DVD.
The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones (2013)
Solid Acting, Terrible Story, Horrible Style
The sets and production quality of this movie are very good, and leave little to be desired. The majority of actors and actresses gave very good performances despite an incredibly weak script. The harsh, rough, almost cheap TV-esque story (almost like the same writers than did Vampire Diaries) seem completely focused towards a young teen audience instead of young adults like it should be. Clichéd lines, delivered as best each actor could muster, still didn't quite pay out. The style of the movie lacked originality as well. Twilight meets Blade much? The costume designers could have done much more than this final product. I believe the tattooed, wearing black leather, emo-ish look has,had its day. That being said, I am sure that plenty of 15 year olds and under will really enjoy this. Any older than that, just watch something else. Overall 5/10 and I will not be buying this on DVD.
There Will Be Blood (2007)
An American Epic
The acting is second-to-none, the settings are realistic and beautiful, the characters are deep, but the story lacks a certain zest. The film is almost everything that I heard it to be, but watching the film, I found myself waiting for something to happen. I kept waiting for a certain something in the story that would entertain me as much as the characters themselves did. After a rather lengthy opening sequence with no dialog, the mood of the film is set fairly well. There are essentially two main characters clashing throughout, and mainly the whole movie is the will power of two men fighting. The movie itself is masterful simply by the mere scope of it all.
Daniel Day Lewis once again sets himself as one of the absolute finest actors of my time. The rest of the cast are equally impressive. Paul Dano outstanding in his dual role, and until the story shows that they are two separate people, I believed the young man to be quite psychotic.
Indeed the only place I find fault with this film is in the story itself. While I believe this to be an American Epic film, and would highly encourage a viewing from any movie lover, a single watch is plenty. 8/10 and I will not buy this on DVD or BluRay.
Long men fei jia (2011)
Effects Go So Far, Fights Overdone CGI
Following Dragon Inn this film takes visual effects so freaking far that they overshadow and ruin the majority of all fights scenes in the movie. I love movies like House of Flying Daggers, Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon, and classics like Enter the Dragon. This has none of the redeeming qualities of those movies. I watched this mainly because of Jet Li's presence in the cast, and sadly that didn't help. His fights are also injected with too much CGI, and over done wire effects. I would have hoped he would pick a better film to make his return into wushu epics. I will go watch Hero or Fearless now to wipe my mind of this general bs. Overall 5/10 and I will, sad to say, not be buying this on bluray or DVD. What a disappointment.
Chocolate (2008)
Terrible Script, Good Fighting
Pretty much run of the mill martial arts movie from Thailand. I didn't go crazy over it like some people, but I didn't find it as bad as some either. A lukewarm 5/10 for this guy. The picture quality, editing, and script could use a LOT of work like most films from this location. The fighting scenes were fairly top-notch, though. If you watch movies like this for the story, as much as the action do not waste your time. If you watch simply for the fight scenes and nothing more, give it a shot. The acting chops of the lead girl are probably the best of the whole film. All sub-characters seem so annoying that I wish the story line hadn't existed at all. I will not be buying this on DVD. One view is more than enough for me.
Goon (2011)
Solid Little Comedy
Yes I only rated this 7/10, however that is fairly high in my world for a comedy film. This movie is surprising to me for there are not many comedies made nowadays that are very well presented/original. I would like to say I am a sports fan as well, but the National Football League doesn't quite encompass all sports. I would recommend this film as a solid and quite humorous comedy that will be a nice viewing for guys and gals alike. A bit clichéd storyline but it works very well in this case. I will not be buying the DVD, but would recommend this to people who want an evening with popcorn and a blanket on the couch kinda night.
Side Effects (2013)
A Psychological Thriller/Drama For Modern Times
Rooney Mara plays a woman suffering from a set of suicidal depression at the same time as her husband is released from prison after a four year stint. This is a story for the times as so many of us go to therapy and take medication to handle life problems. The acting from all cast members in top-notch, as would be expected from people of their caliber. All involved seemed to have a natural chemistry with each other. The lighting of the film sets a mood, for sure. Bright whites, yellowish and brown filters create a gritty real tone.
Then begins a story of an almost Hitchcock'ien feel. Complex characters driven by emotions and feelings. A striving to discover who is the one containing an evil. Using dialogue easy and flowing as an English language film can, it weaves a experience for the audience. A real film and a piece of art in a land full of trash. But that is not to say it is an "artsy" film...far from it. More of a mind game than an edge of the seat thriller. They draw a definitive line of right and wrong, good and evil. Sexually strong without being obtrusive is put forth as well. The subject on hand that runs the story is one that we can live with and fear ourselves. In a world full of pills that we take without question when handed, for who can read side effects?...it places us in a realm of reality mixed with emotions and a breaking of trust.
For my part I thoroughly enjoyed this film, but would not purchase for further viewings. A solid 9/10 shy of a top 10/10 simply because of a slow initial movement.
The Tall Man (2012)
Jessica Biel's best that I have seen.
I will start off by saying I have watched 15 movies that Jessica Biel has been in, and this is the best so far. The hauntingly rural settings, amazing picture quality, good audio quality made for a up to the times movie experience which aids the viewing of movies immensely. It was set in the state of Washington, where I live, so that aided in making this film peak my interest. The fact that Jodelle Ferland is also in the movie, and she is one of the best up and coming actresses of nowadays, also made me want to see this.
As the movie started I felt the opening scenes clichéd and cheesy. What did I expect from a movie with this title? Acting was done well for the most part. A bit of over acting from a few of the sub-characters. Overall as the story progressed the acting fit into the plot, however. I had only seen 1 preview of this movie, and had not read the plot synopsis prior. I realize now, that wouldn't have helped anyway. This movie is full of plot twist after plot twist. It is fair to note as well, that these are not your run of the mill, bs, paranormal twists either. Neither is it your main-character-is-insane-all-in-her-head twists. This is a real to life genuine success. Not the horror movie I expected, but more of a psychological thriller/mystery. Not the gore- fest that modern horror has resorted to, but an actual thriller that does not rely on cheap scares to hook you.
I pride myself on being able to pick out twists in a story prior to the big reveal. This can be very frustrating as it makes a seemingly lack of creativity in my mind. This movie definitely broke the mold. After each twist I had to completely re-evaluate where I thought it was all going. It is by far a thinking man's film. A film that delves into theories of poverty, society, and the pain that adults put children through for their own selfish reasons.
The only reason I rate this 8/10 instead of 10/10 is because of the amount of questions raised by the theory revealed at the ending. Yet that is the same reason many rated it at 10. All in all, I will not be buying this movie, but I would recommend it to all for at least 1 viewing.
Valhalla Rising (2009)
Not really a review as much as a complaint.
I attempted to view this movie on Netflix since I am a big fan of fantasy/sword and sandal/epic/mythology stories and movies. I could only make it roughly 15 minutes into this movie before I had to shut it off. Horrible film quality, terribly cheesy opening, and very poor audio made it impossible for me to keep watching. While I will give it to the cover of the DVD that it is fairly bad-ass, do not be fooled by this fact. This is a cheap film, and in this day and age there is no reason to view something as poorly produced as this. If you watch movies with more of an open mind than me, who is to day you won't enjoy it, for me it would have been a complete waste of time.
Jesse Stone: Death in Paradise (2006)
Very entertaining for what it is...simplicity is key.
I will start off by saying the overall simple style and dialogue of this made for TV movie make it a success. It is a guys version of Hallmark/Lifetime movies, with a length that is not too long to hold a viewers interest. As this is the third Jesse Stone movie, and the second that I have seen, I am glad that the supporting characters returned to keep the bond they have created up. The set locations are amazingly rural and real, although some of the cheesy freeze frames during commercial transitions could have been handled better.
The story remains as entertaining as Jesse Stone: Stone Cold. Stone's direct, no bull approach is cool to watch. The story line is a tough one to touch on national television and be appropriate, but they did a good job. The "plot twist" was simple and more of a "when are they going to realize what is going on" versus the "I have no idea, surprise me" type. The sub-stories about Stone's alcoholism could been left out, they didn't really contribute to anything. I am a fan of this series and can't wait to watch the rest, but I would not say it is worth buying on DVD. A single viewing should do ya.
Seven Psychopaths (2012)
This was exactly not what I expected.
I was very excited in 2012 when I heard about this movie and saw the cast listing. I didn't research much about the plot, simply seeing Christopher Walken in a movie named the Seven Psychopaths made my movie meter go wacko. After viewing today I realized that this was a satire of the movie I wished to see. I am not saying that it was a BAD movie by any means, however it threw my Hollywood molded brain into a bit of shock. It to me seemed like a slightly more action packed version of Get Shorty. I am not a fan of movie-about-a-movie-movies. That being said, it wasn't bad film. Just not my cup of tea. I completely get the point it was trying to make, and I enjoyed my viewing of it, but will more than likely never watch it again. I might have a childish brain, but to myself movies are about escaping reality. I'd rather see the characters that were being written about in this movie than the movie itself. Tongue in cheek has its place, and this movie did that right. I would recommend doing a bit of plot research on this before viewing.
Riddick (2013)
Don't go in expecting anything but exactly what it is...
...A genuinely fun film that takes itself...oh wait, no it doesn't take itself seriously at all. Obviously made by fans of the series for fans of the series. Contains all of what people loved about the first two movies and combines it in an even more slightly adult (at least with the sexual...innuendos?) manner. Innuendos being questioned simply because it wasn't really HINTED at as much as said out right. The violence is there is all its fun, fantastic Riddick fashion. I was slightly disappointed in a lack of VARIETY with the terrifying aliens, although the ones that were there thrilled very well. A must see for Sci-Fi and/or action movie lovers, a fun little space romp of muscles, sexual situations, and slobbering...space mutants.
The Journeyman (2001)
Not a good movie, but if you like Westerns go for it!
If you like westerns I would give this one a go on a Sunday afternoon with nothing better to do.
At points over acted, and quite cheesy, it grinds along without much character development. This point makes me kinda sad, because there are some very interesting characters that would draw you in if you simply knew more about them. The story itself isn't really that original, but what do you expect in this genre.
Not even in the top 200 westerns of all time :) but it is good enough to fill that "I wanna watch a new western" itch if you haven't seen it yet. Only for western superfans.
Overall I say 4/10.
The Dark Knight Rises (2012)
Best movie of 2012 to date...possibly the whole year.
Breathtaking graphics, nonstop action, near perfect acting, kinetic storyline, and editing to die for come together in what is one of the best movies in recent years. To date best movie of 2012, and I don't see anything coming up in the remainder that should touch this....
Absolutely, beyond a shadow of doubt the best comic to movie experience yet. Nolan blew the last two films out of the water with this epic story of Gotham's hero. In an America overflowing with comic book turned movies, the Dark Knight trilogy has stood out with the first two films alone. With the third and final installment, Nolan cinched his place in the history of epic filming.
Bale shone as the gritty, hard, and imperfectly human hero. Hathaway shone as the sexy, mesmerizing, mysterious Catwoman. Hardy bulky, intense, and terrifying as the best movie villain since Ledger in the first of this trifecta. All supporting characters blended together perfectly in a down and dirty platter of acting genius.
Solid 10 out of 10.
Deadwood (2004)
Very good, if not great, western show...
I found Deadwood to be a refreshing breeze compared to the long list of campy westerns that have been released in recent years. Granted, the language is harsh...sometimes overused, I feel...but that adds to the "realistic" feel of the show. The acting is superb, action real, drama intense. The woman that plays Calamity Jane definitely adds "a little something" to the show as well. A funnier, more "charming" character you would do good to find in any show or movie. The plots are good and hold your attention well, which is very important for sequel shows such as this one. Overall I give it a 8 out of 10. Short 2 of a full 10 simply because of language and complicated dialog.