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Reviews
Alien: Romulus (2024)
2 xenomorphs up
This film was an attempt to bring Alien fans something fresh and new! Two specific parts of this movie delivered something we had never seen before! And Romulus succeeded with those attempts.
Some people are complaining about the age of the cast and the British accents. Most American movies feature numerous British actors, accent or not. And as regards to the age of the cast, I noticed that and took exception for like 5 minutes of the movie. But did the age and casting cause any further distraction? Hardly. There was one actor who you knew for the entire 20 minutes of their screen time that they were gonna get the dead face, but besides him, the casting choices were fine.
I really loved the android arc as well.
My only criticism would be we didn't get to see enough casualties. I feel bad admitting that but, if there were more the suspense might have felt a tad better.
In any event, great addition to the Alien franchise and I can't wait til I see it again!
Twister (1996)
Liked it as teen...love it as an adult
Initially, I liked this movie for its summer blockbuster elements. Lot of action, thrills, and suspense. I even revisited it over the years for the same reasons. But as I got older, the emotional aspect between Paxton and Hunt is what keeps me coming back to watching this. The love setting is pretty much a copy of the setting for the "Abyss", but Twister did it just as well in my opinion. I even find myself feeling sorry for the fiancé. But the emotional back drop really makes this movie hit home.
You can make a movie with stuff blowing up seem appealing. But if a director can make an action movie, with just the right amount of emotion and feeling to compliment the production! That is the real delight about this classic, it's 95% summer action, and the exact amount of love and emotion to make it a great movie to rewatch every now and then.
Twisters (2024)
Twisters: a lovers tale
Great summer movie.
That's it actually nothing else. I personally didn't like it. Thought it was too similar to twister and not enough like the original, both at the same time.
The movie opens pretty much identical as the original, with disaster at the beginning followed by team introductions as they engage on a chase. But then the film takes this weird odd turn into a love story along with a twist of redemption. I showed up for a run of the meal disaster flick: ie day after tomorrow, 2012, and hello twister!!
The plot they went with here was a snooze fest. Twisters is only 9 minutes longer than the original but it felt like an hour longer. Just show tornadoes smashing stuff. Not humanitarian feel good stuff.
The original film had a slight love story and redemption arc without feeling forced or distracting from the main point of the movie, which is destroying stuff!
Its a mediocre fun summer movie. Nothing more.
The Watchers (2024)
Best M Night movie imo
This was by far the best M Night movie I've seen. Everything "the village" and "the lady in the water" tried to be, that is an original fairytale! But where those two films bored, "the watchers" entertains til the very last minute. If you're old enough to seen all of M Nights movies during their original release, you might be surprised that he finally succeeded after some bombs. I am in the minority and actually enjoyed "old" but this film is slightly better.
There are some things this film gets wrong and fails at. But you will need to read someone else's review because I am not able to articulate any of those flaws. I was caught up in the moment and was able to enjoy one of M Nights movies, and best of all, without any twists or surprises!
Trap (2024)
Worst concert ever
Who rated this movie a 6? Their IMDb accounts should be revoked.
It's an odd movie that borders on the line of comical and quirky. Never, ever, ever in the movie does it even appear like a suspense. You know what's going to happen or at least you are expecting a Shyamalanian twist in ever single act of the movie. You will sit through the movie watching this horrible concert, then it gets goofier and goofier. And worst of all, it keeps going on and on. If it ended 20 minutes earlier, I might have been less angry. All in all, it was a miss for me.
Maybe if Josh was taking ppl out earlier in the movie maybe I would have been a little more shocked and anxious watching the movie. But alas, no. I am left feeling like I'm watching the Disney version of American psycho.
Deadpool & Wolverine (2024)
Great comedy, average super hero movie
I liked this movie. I liked this movie a lot. The cameos, the Wolverine, jokes, action, villain was ok. But many aspects were very great. But just not for a supposedly epic marvel comic book movie.
Deadpool and Deadpool 2, in my very novice IMDb amateur opinion, were phenomenal comic book or superhero movies! Case in point cable and juggernaut! I still can't speak enough of how epic those two films were. But this Wolverine and Deadpool movie, even with all the pizazz, could not quite measure up to those movies. I think the reason it couldn't was due to the far fetched script. It was just too out there.
But seeing Wolverine and Deadpool together on the screen was great. However, I need more than a team up to make a movie a success.
Lastly, why does Ryan have to make so many jokes about men? Are the comics like that? Anyways, great comedic movie. Enjoy!
Pan (2015)
Guess I'm alone
I normally don't struggle writing reviews, but this is a hard one. That's because I simply love everything Peter Pan related. Even the abismal 2023 Peter Pan I received some pleasure from. So I'm totally biased and subjective in this review. And that really summarizes my review.
Originally, I refused to watch the 2015 Pan because the 2003 version was fresh in my memory, and I was at a loss why the studios would create this 2015 version. But to my surprise since watching this movie in 2017, it is one my favorite iterations of the boy who wouldn't grow up.
What do I have to substantiate this? Only my love for reliving my childhood through the retelling of one my favorite childhood tales.
Justice League: Crisis on Infinite Earths - Part Two (2024)
Much better than Part 1
I liked it lot. There's a lot going on with multiple earths, but that comes with the territory. The first couple of acts were awesome, because it made for a great backdrop for the rest of the film that unfolds.
There's so many characters that are new to me, I have so much to read up on and learn. I also hope I can find the comic that this was based off to catch up.
But to sum up my brief review, if you like dc animated movies, this is on par with the best of them. Part 1 was inferior to me, and this film was a great improvement. I hardly watch these animated films multiple times, but I could see myself giving this one another go.
I am so tempted to pay for part 3 because it's not available for streaming yet. But as excited as I am, I will still wait. Regardless, this was an awesome film and I can't wait til I see the next one in this series.
Jagged Edge (1985)
Gotta love these old thrillers
I was pretty impressed. I'm not one to call for progressive typecasting or anything, however, a female lead, at least one minority male actor, and a great plot in 1985? Wow, it really led to a nice watch. I was also shocked that I had never heard of this film.
It really seemed like a mish mash of genres. I got a little romance, suspense, and film noir out of this throwback. It was kinda long, but with so much going on between a murder investigation, courtroom drama, and a whodunnit, it's understandable given its run time.
My only complaint would come from my wife. Despite her birthday taking place in the 70s, she doesn't tolerate retro movies very well. She's more of a current Netflix person. So if you are not limited to only watching recently released entertainment, you should throughly enjoy this classic.
A Quiet Place: Day One (2024)
Less is More
Lupita was great, some of the character actors were great. Pacing was good. But unfortunately, I took exception with several aspects of the film.
What made the original quiet place great was the fact that the audience was left mostly in the dark about what occurred prior to the families son dying. We didn't need to know when the aliens landed, why they landed, we only knew the family couldn't make noise. Slowly, however, we learned more about their plight. We bonded with the loss of their youngest, the impending birth of another, the disability of a third, and the strong bond of a lovely couple. We did not need to know all the other alien related details, and the lack of information added a measure of mystery and suspense to an already tense and thrilling setting, aliens killing everybody.
However, this new movie felt it necessary to unload so much information, raising plot holes, doubts, and made me question so much.
Everything is not meant for everybody. This was definitely not for me. I almost titled this review "ashy Larry goes to New York", but in case someone read the review, I wanted to seem more objective.
Dark Matter (2024)
So this is how fans of Star Wars feel
In short I am not a fan. As a fan of the book I literally have no reason to invest in the show any further.
The pacing was excruciating. I understand that most of the audience are not familiar with the book, however, I still think it started incredibly slow the first few episodes. To focus so much on the relationship aspect rather than the opportunity to focus on the new worlds! That was a huge miss in my opinion. Maybe in future seasons that might be explored more, but I think the show should have started off that direction.
Lastly, I hate the creative direction the show creator took from the book. Not a fan of most of the decisions. There were two changes that I quite enjoyed. And now that the first season ended, as a fan of the book I have no reason to continue. I don't care about any of the characters. Which is sad because in the book, I cared so much for the couple. And after reading the book for the second time, I empathized with Jason and his dilemma so much. The show on the other hand did not allow for the same feelings to develop, particularly for Jason1.
Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes (2024)
Began with a bang, finished with a peep
I was enthralled after the first ten to twenty minutes. However, certain aspects fell flat to me. I never quite felt the adversity at times.
Also, it's almost as if they spent over two hours to deliberately set up a sequel. In the first three movies, they were all great on their own accord. After finishing each of the first three films, I left hoping for a sequel. In "Kingdom", I am expecting a sequel.
Maybe I will enjoy this better in syndication, but while I sit here in the theater with the credits rolling, I feel let down. I am not a fan and wish they could have done better. And to use a young actress was a mistake. She should have had battle scars, not look like a sweaty HS cheerleader.
Argylle (2024)
Movie almost made me hate Dallas
While watching this film, I went from loving it to abhorring it. It started off as "the tourist" and finished more like "Charlie's angels full throttle." Why, like seriously why?
It was a great concept including: 1) Solid action heroes. 2) Some what original spy movie. 3) A beautiful lead actress in Dallas, even with the mom jeans. 4) Hilarious Sam Rockwell with his antics, including his normal dance routines. However, there was a campy undertone the entire movie, so I should not have been surprised by the last act.
The last act was pure nonsense. There had to be several writers, because they went in a totally different direction towards the end of the movie. Everyone loves a beautiful, tough lead heroine. However, the tough female spy the producers delivered in this movie, should be offensive to every audience member. That was terrible.
I am reluctantly giving the movie 6 stars because I legitimately loved the first 80% of the movie.
I wish there was a Snyder cut of this movie.
Rebel Moon - Part Two: The Scargiver (2024)
Future nerds will love it
Let me get this straight, this is a new sci-fi story, with many new characters with compelling stories, and an awesome final fight scene? And people don't like it? That's how you know you can't trust people.
I'm not a follower. Which is ironic because I "follow" reviews to pick a movie. But bare with me. I am not afraid to make my own opinion. If you are like me, and don't need to follow the masses, you will like this movie. Are there boring moments? Could they have stopped with part 1? Are there some lame moments or characters that the movie could have done without? Yes, yes, and yes. But, what else am I going to watch on Netflix? Rewatch ozark? Maybe. But I love sci-fi, especially new sci-fi.
Part 2 was actually better than part 1. I already knew the basis of the film, and knew what to expect. Minus the characters going over there backstory it was pretty cool movie.
Cat Person (2023)
Good but kinda annoying...in a good way
I felt like I was in my twenties again. I could relate so much with this movie. I think that's what I didn't like it, because it felt so real. Dating is or was painful to me, and I think Kristen perfectly displayed how terribly painful all those in a relationship then not in a relationship emotions and rides can be. One great aspect of the movie, it doesn't say who was right and who was wrong. It's as neutral as a film can get, especially one so potentially controversial, which it definitely was not. It's just too real, in a very Hollywood artistic way.
I could see this movie being studied in art class or glee club or something.
Underwater (2020)
Not your parents Alien
The movie went from 0-100 from the beginning. I liked that aspect. And it really never stopped, just a nonstop ride. There was some moments where it slightly slowed down to allow for some character development, and some people think this should have been featured earlier in movie. But meh I liked the pacing just fine. There's literally nothing not to like about the film. If you wanna say the writer heavily borrowed from the Alien franchise, so be it. But why not, it's a fool proof formula.
One extra bonus to the movie is the Lovecraft homage. I've never read his books, but I love a book series inspired by Lovecraft. And this aspect of the film is great and for me and really sets it apart from other monster horror movies.
Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire (2024)
Boys in the hood: hollow earth edition
The whole hollow earth thing is lame. I can't stand the plot line. I guess everyone else likes it, but it's so unnecessary and wait for it...corny. Isn't the appeal and attraction of 300 foot titans fighting awesome enough? Do we need a plot device to unnecessarily explain more monsters? I don't. The radiation is enough of a background story for me.
I liked it, loved the action, the vfx, and well..the monsters. But everything else about this I hated. Which is strange, because the plot and storyline for skull island, first Godzilla, and Godzilla king of the monsters was pretty awesome. The mystery, suspense, conspiracy theory, and downright epicness of those films were phenomenal. But Kong new empire, they dropped the ball. Next movie should be set in space at this point.
The Boogeyman (2023)
What in the teenage angst
Babakook, don't be afraid of the dark, before I wake, come play etc. They all did it much better, not masterpieces obviously. But what all of those movies did, however, was avoid teenagers at the least. They weren't great movies by any stretch of the imagination.
I want to say something good about the movie, but there is nothing good about it. The only redeeming quality was the young actress, definitely not the teen one. I guess this movie was a metaphor for something, not sure, it sucked was all.
It was one part that involved a tv which had me laughing hysterically, that was that was the best part. The ending got a tad better, but I definitely won't watch this again. And I recommend everyone avoid this movie like...the boogeyman.
Into the Dark: Down (2019)
Nice guys finish last
Some of the reviewers say they've seen movies like this before, but I haven't. Unless they mean B movies. I enjoyed this film, it was slightly original, it was not all dialogue, and had some nice suspense elements.
The dialogue and chemistry between the two actors was pretty good, and there was enough turns that made for some great thrills.
Only reason I will not score this higher is for the budget and B film status. That is no diss, but I cannot ignore its flaws.
I would rewatch this movie. I'd tell a friend about this movie. But if someone is only the casual observer and prefers budget and star actors in their movies, they should probably pass.
Madame Web (2024)
Charlie's web Angels
When the young women left the forest and some pop song came on, I almost lost it. I am so jealous of the person who was allowed to write/direct this film. He or she has to be a tad under qualified.
The movie started off lame, like "Congo" lame. Got a tad better when Dakota was first introduced. Got lame again when the bad dude/spider guy was introduced. Got little better when the Charlie's web angels were introduced. Got real lame when the Charlie web angels were dancing to Brittany spears, which was by far the worst scene in the movie.
I loved madame webs abilities. That part of the movie was probably better than "next" with Cage. But unfortunately the movie had to fill in the other hour plus of content, and that's where it fails. So only madames abilities and Dakota Johnson acting were the only redeeming aspects of the film.
That AED scene, better yet any reference to EMS in the movie was LAME. But most people wouldn't notice that so movie gets pass.
Overall I enjoyed it. Probably wouldn't watch again. But it's worth a watch. And thank god ppl hate it because I would have definitely tortured myself to the sequel Charlie web angels deux.
Ozark (2017)
Where has this show been all my life
Wife and binge watched 4 seasons in about 4 weeks. Thank goodness we watched it together because otherwise I woulda knocked it out in a week on my own.
The show got me hooked about 10-15 minutes in. And that element that hooked me in that first episode, continued for 4 seasons. Episode after episode of this intense drama and suspense. And it should be technically a dark comedy, but it's so much tension and suspense that the dry comedy just went over heads.
My only criticism would be the first season, which is odd because it was so awesome. But all the irrelevant romantic scenes and stripclub scenes that added literally nothing to the series, I could have did without. But I'm nitpicking because the show was awesome.
I was gonna rate this 8 in an attempt to sound objective but then I thought, what would Wendy do?
Dune: Part Two (2024)
More subtitles than Godzilla minus one
The subtitles killed the movie for me. The romance was a buzzkill for me too. It's long and 3 out of the 4 of us fell asleep. The music was loud too, guess I'm too old.
And all of that contradicts the action in the film, because boy was there a lot. It was a substantial amount of explosions, fights, battles etc throughout the film.
The movie was more dancing with wolves and less Star Wars to me. I loved the first movie. Watched the original 1980s version the first chance I had after completing the 2020 film. But this latest film was ok. Im not a fan of the book so I guess I am biased.
I will watch this again on streaming, and I am sure I will enjoy it more via that platform.
Code 8: Part II (2024)
They get a meh for effort
First movie was ok. The second movie is ok. By no means are these the worst Netflix movies I have watched. I would even suggest someone check it out on their own. However, it could have been much better.
On one hand I get why the movies are so lame. Having strong characters who are over powered can get out of hand quickly, story wise and budget wise. Then there is the humanity aspect. This movie series plays off the everyday human who struggles not only with powers and prejudices, but also just living in general.
But on the other hand, having a weak lame main character is well, lame. And I know they set this up for a third film.
This second film was better than the first in my opinion. But to a certain degree that's not saying much.
Avatar: The Last Airbender (2024)
That was literally fire
Who in the world is criticizing this show. I wanna know. This was like watching the series for the first time all over. It had better cgi than most blockbuster movies, let alone series cough smallville (I'm old).
Initially, I thought the actors were a little stiff trying to emulate their cartoon counterparts. However, a few episodes in and I was totally into it. Like totally. I was gonna name the actors who did the best, but I stopped. Not because I couldn't identify any actors I liked but I stopped because I found myself listing almost every actor/character.
My only criticism is the humor. Humor literally made the original. The original had a perfect balance between action, humor, and comedy. Amazing from a show primarily for tweeners on nickoldeon.
I wish I could bend some intelligence into the people who are giving this awesome series a bad score.
Mayor of Kingstown (2021)
I think I downloaded the wrong Hawkeye
This is a great show. I heard "this is gonna mean war" one too many times. But that's the life of a tv series, gotta string us along I guess.
But I love the intricate plot lines at times, they will spend a couple episodes setting up a specific encounter. The drama is great. The suspense is great. It's so good that my wife has temporarily postponed her binge watching "love on the spectrum" and other cringe worthy shows to watch this gem. I struggle to find series that we both can enjoy, and boy did we find a great one here.
My only criticism is as I said before, the show is repetitive at times, but asides from that this is a series full of suspense and drama that will keep you entertained.