Change Your Image
Finbar-1
Ratings
Most Recently Rated
Reviews
Searching for Sugar Man (2012)
Unexpected twist, amazing music
I have had this movie in my collection for quite some time, and have had multiple friends suggest I would love it as I love great music. One of my biggest joys is finding new musical gems. So as I watched this documentary about a musician every bit as good as Dylan and Prine, who was totally snubbed by the music industry and US listeners, I was stoked when so many amazing songs that I had never heard were played (I Wonder and Cause to name only 2). The story was equally interesting involving South Africa and the oppression of Apartheid. To make the trifecta it also has a major twist I was in no was expecting, nor will I spoil for you. I highly recommend thus for any true music fan.
Cloud Atlas (2012)
Surprise thought provoking gem
I will admit I had no clue what this movie was about, I hadn't even seen a trailer. All I knew was Tom Hanks was in it and he is very good and chooses good projects (usually). This takes you on a rollercoaster ride through milenia following main characters that you only meet through various incarnations. Even though the story bounces from era to era, and so many movies that do thus can be confusing and hard to follow, this one is very well done and even fun to follow. The main cast take on several very different roles, and sometimes you have to strain to recognize the actor under the character. Well worth the watch and the almost 3 hour time committing. I plan to watch it again (and again).
F9 (2021)
Ludacris is right
I only gavevthis a 3 because my grandkids found it "entertaining but stupid". I know it is a fantasy action movie aimed at people who only want explosions and new stunts, but come-the-hell-on at least try to make things a little believable. I will try to avoid spoilers, but... the plane crashes right at the only road through the jungle; that truck flips then glides on its roof for 10 minutes; then it rolls over and explodes but still steers; and you can apparently jump from a vehicle moving at speed in one direction onto a vehicle moving at speed in the opposite with only a slight stumble? Then just because a guy gets screwed by his evil coworker he suddenly becomes a good guy? But the biggest dumb of all has to be the trip they make in the Fiero, sweet adorable Jesus how dumb do these producers think people are? Some nice cars though.
Spring Breakers (2012)
Slow story, but strong message
I was going to give this movie a much lower rating, but I will admit after reading a few of the other reviews here I realized the strong message it tries to send (and a few other redeeming features) warrant higher.
Franco was by far the best part, and the main reason I watched the movie. He is a genius almost along the lines of Depp in diverse characters. The lighting and cinematography were very fitting for this movie and gave the illusion of a real life documentary (I thought this was based on real events). Considering the ending of a movie is so critical to it being enjoyable, this shocking and thought provoking ending will have you torn between odd and amazing.
However, I think it could have been a far better and higher rated movie had the slow story line added more story elements (or at least had them less hidden), maybe play more on their crime spree than on their romance so the viewer can hate them more as the dangerous, greedy criminals they are. The very strong message against today's "gangsta, bitch-ho, Benjamins" culture - which made me up my rating - was also hidden quite well.
But understand, in my experience an IMDb rating of 6 is nonetheless relatively decent.
Ham & Cheese (2004)
Far better character comedy than its rating
I will admit this is a different comedy and not for everyone, but it deserves far higher a rating than it got. I can only guess it is because it is a Canadian movie with Canadian humour and we are after all far outnumbered by Americans.
I love character comedies, especially when done as a mocumentary. "Best in Show", "Mighty Wind", "Borat" and a host of others are among my favourites and I believe Ham and Cheese is a great character movie.
These two dolts have not a thimble of talent between them, yet they have dedicated their lives to succeeding as actors. We follow them from leaving home to various auditions, always getting insight into their passion and commitment. Highlights are Beaver paying for his lessons with Foley in saved change and Jones telling us his theories on comedy timing as he waits for a price from a hooker.
If you like well developed, funny characters living their unbelievable lives for the camera then give this a try.
Deadly Impact (2010)
3 words: Lame, lamer, lamest
I was duped into wasting 1 1/2 hours of my valuable life on this movie because the poster looked like it might be a decent cop movie and the fact that they cast Sean Patrick Flanery who acted in one of my favourite movies of all time (Boondock Saints).
As the subject line says, it was full of lame; the story was unbelievable and full of holes, I couldn't find myself caring about this guy who loses his wife, Pantoliano's character was more of a tool than threatening, and I was disappointed that Flanery's acting was so bad. I believe this may have been because he appeared to be trying to hide his Irish accent which was so great in Saints. I am not sure why producers try to do this (except when it is obviously important to the story); albeit some actors are much better than others (eg Colin Farrell in Miami Vice).
I try to provide some positive in my reviews (this one is hard), so lets just say watch this purely to put more money into Flanery's pocket to thank him for Saints.
Cat Shit One (2010)
Very unique animated short
Ask me how much I loved the concept of a (relatively) serious animated war story about a bunny snipers team in the middle east that includes head shots to camel terrorists. Just that description alone should entice you to see it.
The serious approach the producers took to a story line about hardened war vets (at least Packy the spotter and leader) compared to the not-so-serious premise of 2 bunnies as the main characters. They certainly play with this juxtaposition; the team is scoping out the village to weigh their options and you see regular fluffy tails twitching, they walk through the dangerous village with those floppy feet, and a cute bunny barking orders like Sgt Rock (for the younger reader, an old comic book WWII GI).
The only criticism is that Botasky's (the sniper) dialogue are a bit weak, he should have been as hardened and confident as Packy) but you can certainly forgive that slight issue as it added to the juxtaposition.
I only wish this was longer, maybe even a regular, on-going series.
Cat Run (2011)
Silly, but not the worst
Despite always feeling that an IMDb rating over 6 is a worthy movie, this one is on the verge of a lower rating.
It is hard to put your finger on the exact reason this movie is so silly, others have said the plot is weak (I suggest haphazard is a better word), certainly the acting is mediocre, the humour was there but lame at times, the two "buddies" are just too goofy to take serious as private eye's, but the handicapped African-Scottish assistant (D.L. Hughley) may have been the silliest. A final criticism is that some of the scenes made no sense, no wonder this didn't get an Oscar for editing.
But, and I always at least try to give some positive comments, it was relatively entertaining and worth a watch on a stormy Sunday afternoon in February if you have nothing else to do. Lets be honest (guys), Paz is enjoyable to see in action and the two assassins were "interesting" (Janet McTeer) and oddly funny (Tony Curran).
Behind Enemy Lines: Colombia (2009)
93 minutes wasted
Far too often Hollywood pushes the appeal of sequel money too far and make a piece of crap movie, this is one for sure.
I can forgive an obvious plot and, if the action sequences are done well can even overlook relatively poor acting, but when all three are preset plus they throw in poor cinematography then I feel robbed. Don't get me wrong, if I choose to go see a sequel such as this with no-name actors (and I think one was a professional wrestler), then shame on me if I expect anything more; but if I don't warn others what they are in for then double shame on me.
But I always try to see some positives in my reviews (this is only my third), so if you like cheap B action movies with big guns and the jungle that will allow you to pass 1 1/2 hours then give it a go. Just be warned that your time may have been better spent watching something like "Enemy at the Gate" or the original "Behind Enemy Lines" for a second or even a third time.
Beginners (2010)
Not Ewen's Best
I will start by saying that I can see where this movie might have gotten its fairly high overall rating, considering it stars Ewan McGregor and Christopher Plummer and there are plenty of artsy type people who like this kind of stuff.
But, personally I was disappointed that is wasn't funnier. "Sad comedies" as one reviewed phrased it can be quite delightful and enjoyable (e.g. "Dan in Real Life" and "Juno") but this was not one in my opinion. It was slow and far too sad to allow the few funny pieces that it did contain to be enjoyable. I mean seriously; a dead mom, a dying dad who reveals how sad his life has been because of his secret, and a break up with his girl that was played to death (shoot me now).
I realize there are those out there who like artsy made movies, and I agree that a non-Hollywood standard formula can often be more appealing than a cookie cutter plot, but unless you are an Andy Worhol type, you probably won't find much to enjoy in this one.
All Good Things (2010)
Disappointed that Ryan Gosling's movies are so slow
Let me start real quick by saying this is my first IMDb review, and that I think IMDb is one of the best web sites on the internet.
We watched "All Good Things" I think mainly because of the hype about Ryan Gosling, and while I believe he is a good actor he seems to choose parts that are so very slow that they leave the movie quite boring. In All Good Things, he plays a troubles guy who tries to change his life in order to please his father, but not to the same level of pleasure for his wife.
We are given little insight into why he is the way he is (other than his father's expectations) or why he does what he does. This leads the viewer to be as frustrated with him as his wife appears to be. The twist at the end also leaves us wondering what the heck really happened, but not in an interesting "make your own conclusions" kind of a way.
That said, if you like Mr. Gosling's acting style (and the slow style of his choice in directors) in previous movies such as "Beyond the Pines" and "Drive" (which I liked more than "Good Things"), you might like this one as well.
The Boondock Saints (1999)
Excellent Movie, DVD Scenes Chopped
This is one of the best action movies ever made. It has some of the greatest characters I have ever seen, supreme slow-mo action scenes, a unique feel and sound and it doesn't take itself too seriously. I almost look up to the brothers (for killers that is). I mean who hates to see gang lords and thugs get what they deserve? It was also amazing and quite funny to see Defoe play a gay FBI agent with a low tolerance for fellow yet idiotic policemen.
I watched this first at a friend's and loved it so much I bought it. I was disappointed to learn that a lot of the action scenes were chopped up, all but the language of course. Maybe the new Special Edition 2 DVD set is more original.
At any rate, I suggest you ignore the nay-sayers and watch this movie. If you like a good unique action movie (like Snatch or Lock Stock) then you are going to love this one.
Band of Brothers (2001)
Best WWII Flick Ever
Very well done and almost as realistic as "Saving Private Ryan", also done by Tom Hanks. I have watched the entire series 3 times and cannot wait to watch it again soon. I did not hesitate to spend the $110 for the DVD set so I have it forever. Episode 2 leading up to and following the brothers into their first battle at Normandy was intense. I found myself ducking from bullets. I felt I was almost part of Easy Company and friends of each of the long timers. The battle scenes showed the personal side as well as the ferocity. It was well acted, well produced and well supported with money to make it real. Great job Tom, your father and all vets should be proud.
The Blues Brothers (1980)
Best movie of all time
The Blues Brothers has been my favorite movie for over 20 years, ever since I first saw it at a drive in theater. The music (yes it is blues, just not delta blues), the comedy, the cameos, the car chases and the story are all superb. It is just too bad it didn't do as well at the box office as it should have. Belushi and Aykroyd are comic geniuses and their chemistry on screen is bar none. Some of the musicians, while not comedians, have some great scenes as well (Ray Charles, Aretha, etc). It was also quite exciting to see some of the gold of blues such as Johnny Lee play a role. The book gives a little more history into the "brothers" and the band but the movie did a good job. I believe this movie has some of the greatest "movie lines" of any made and the settings and locales fit well. There are however a few bits, such as the exploding hostel and propane tank that are too far fetched but with the rest being so enjoyable I forgave them. Do yourself a favor if you have not seen this one and rent it, you will likely buy it.
Chain of Fools (2000)
Very good character film, funny
I was quite surprised by this movie, had not heard of it but did a lot of LOL. Some real characters in unreal situations. And that scoutmaster. These guys are real losers but you gotta like them. I also felt the use of flashbacks and jumping around in time was done quite well. A real sleeper worth a watch.