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Reviews
Rebel Ridge (2024)
Good guy against corrupted cops
Pretty good movie for the underestimated lone wolf good guy vs corrupted small town cop genre. Strong reminder of Jack Reacher movies. But it could have been better if the story allowed for a bit more hand-to-hand combat to show off the protagonist fighting capabilities. The little we got was pretty cool but ultimately wasn't sufficient to garner a higher rating. The lead was well casted and has a powerful physical and screen presence. The platonic yet could have been romantic interest shared good chemistry. Ending was a slight letdown as there wasn't a satisfying punishment for the main antagonist.
Black Adam (2022)
Clunky plot with oddly familiar characters
The story had potential, but the execution was stale. Some of the idea seemed even outright rip-off's of other more established franchises. In the same universe where Justice League exists, the best they can come up with is Justice Society?
As I try to think of what could've made this movie better, one thought is that perhaps the makers should have spent more time giving us context and back stories, without which the audience simply won't care as much about the ensemble caste.
The actors all did their job. The Rock is steadfast as the all power being. Brosnan lended gravitas to his character. Rest of the supporting caste fulfilled their obligations. Yet their valiant efforts couldn't quite save the film from the bad script.
One Shot (2021)
Surprisingly solid action movie
If you stop counting the bullets, and pay little attention to the plot, this is actually quite an enjoyable short movie. Action was of rapid fire pace. Camera work was well planned. Fight choreography was excellent! Would definitely recommend for a 1.5 hour mindless escape from reality, if that's what you're looking for.
The Batman (2022)
Failed attempt as compared to the prior Batman movies
The movie is fine. Not great and not horrible. However, I don't see how it is possible to watch this movie without considering the renditions of Christian Bale and Ben Affleck. Unfortunately, in light of such juxtaposition, Pattinson simply does not measure up.
Psychologically, this Batman displayed the emotional pain of losing his mother and father as a young boy. However, other than a single utterance of "vengeance", there is no depth. This one dimensional hurt is flat for a man who has decades to deal with this anguish. Physically, he lack the agility of Bale and the sheer bulk of Affleck. He looks like a vampire who has accidentally wandered into a Batman movie. The one bright spot in this disappointment is Chloe Kravitz. She did a decent job as Cat Woman and her back story was sufficiently believable to give us reasons to hate the villain. Unfortunately the romance between her and Bruce Wayne lacked chemistry.
I don't know if this was a bad casting or simply a weak plot line. I only know that the result was boredom. Recommend you spend the time on the Bale Trilogy instead.
The Good Liar (2019)
Slow burn with a nice resolution
Somehow we know the moment the movie starts that not everything is as it seems. But we play along, eagerly awaiting the revelations. Nice to see the professional acting of these two cinema legends. May be slow in some parts for some, but everything had its place and I was satisfied with the gift wrapped ending.
Being the Ricardos (2021)
Great actors with an amazing script
The makeup threw me off in the beginning, but I quickly got over it with the rapid fire dialogue typical of an Aaron Sorkin film. This was a very complex yet entirely believable and human story of these amazing icons of Hollywood, especially if we fully appreciate her being a woman and him being a Cuban in the 50's!!! I initially questioned the casting decisions because they seemed a bit old for the roles, but were sold by the end of the story. The depth and gravitas they brought to theiR characters were essential. The final icing on the cake is that the tales told are all true!
Don't Look Up (2021)
Fun movie just right for our time
This was an entertaining movie as it makes fun of the political division these days. Although the makers no doubt wish to make a more serious point within the humor, it doesn't really offer much beyond light hearted entertainment.
Hit-Monkey (2021)
An original and surprising story
Didn't have any expectations so was pleasantly surprised. Some of the sub plot and characters are all over the place, but as usual if you can suspend your belief and just roll with it, the short series can be entertaining. Certainly was for me in a single sitting.
Fatman (2020)
Not a "Christmas" movie 😅
I loved this!
If you adore Christmas & Santa Claus for all of the traditional notions of the holidays, this movie is very likely not for you. I think that explains many of the low ratings.
However, if you are open to exploring a completely alternative (and often very dark) narrative of the Chris Kringle legend, you might enjoy this story. I really like the mixing of reality and fairy tale, as well as how the subtle notion of good versus bad played out. Perhaps my appreciation for ambiguity also makes it easier for my leap of faith.
It will be hard to know if you will love or hate this. But if you are willing to take a chance, you might be pleasantly surprised. Good luck! 😅
Eternals (2021)
The movie just didn't click for me
Individually, each of the Eternals were uninspiring. As an ensemble cast, this group just didn't seemed to gel. Perhaps it's because we didn't have time to appreciate each with sufficient time like with the Avengers. Maybe the goal of telling such a grandiose story within 2-1/2 hours was just too lofty of a goal. The passage of thousands of years seemed hurried and the occasion flashbacks came across artificial.
I really wanted to like this movie, but at last walked out disappointed...
Invasion (2021)
Unlike most shows these days...
... this is a veeerrrry slow start, and it's already the 4th episode as of the time of this review. Otherwise, it does have engaging characters which you would care about.
The Many Saints of Newark (2021)
Great actors couldn't save the movie from a weak plot
I kept waiting for something interesting to happen, after being pulled by Dickie's charisma. Unfortunately nothing ever did.
Seeking a Friend for the End of the World (2012)
Subtle and melancholy
This is an adult film. If you enjoy subtle acting with a very like-able cast, you might want to check it out. If you're looking for something more punchy, take a pass.
Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy (2021)
Perfectly timed show during Int'l travel restrictions
Stanley Tucci is at his best when he pays homage to his Italian roots and allows the differences of the regions to shine through. We meet passionate local artisans with pride of their most representative dishes. For those of us who knows only of the country by its superficial culinary expressions such as pizza and pasta, learning about the varieties are welcoming, especially during a period when most of us cannot travel. It is the right fantasy delivered at the right time.
Of course, a show about the diversity of a country may also reflect the different politics of its people, as this one does. This unfortunately punchers the fantasy bubble and reminds us all that division is alive and well not only in our own country. Those who share Tucci's leanings will be supportive while others will find it's a key reason to reject this show.
My family is mostly grateful for the show as I was immediately able to cook a proper spaghettini carbonara for the first time ever. 😅
Marco Polo (2014)
Amazing... Kublai Khan steals the show!
You will need a couple of episodes to be drawn in. After your mind settles in the Far East in the 13th century, the story and the characters will engage and keep you coming back for more. Unfortunately the show only had 2 seasons as it was one of the most expensive productions ever, which is understandable given the costumes and the attention to detail.
Bronx (2020)
Nice ending
If you can make it through the confusing threads of alliances and enemies you'll be rewarded with a nice wrap up.
Shot Caller (2017)
Great movie
Many parts of the movie are difficult to understand, but the end tidied everything up nicely.
Damascus Cover (2017)
Very difficult to rate, but err on side of more positives than negatives for me
As spy stories go this wasn't the best and there are some loose ends, but ultimately it wasn't a bad story.
Tenet (2020)
A great movie which leaves the audience behind with its breakneck pace
"Time travel" but not in the traditional sense. Amazing plot which will take each of us five more viewings to understand and slowly unpack. Everything matters, which is quite taxing mentally and takes away from enjoyment of the wonderful & relentless action. Slightly unbelievable that everyone in the movie instantly understand how it all works in this warped reality. Any normal person would freak out for at least 5 minutes first. Washington is a good lead, but his youth lacked gravitas, especially in the end.
The Good Shepherd (2006)
A mature, unhurried espionage masterpiece
Wow! Thank you Hulu for adding to your line-up.
I love spy movies in general and was pleasantly blown away. Very surprised this wasn't listed in most top spy film collections in the same breath as "Tinker, Tailor, Soldier".
This is not a film if you don't have patience. Also it's not for you if you choose to view entertainment through modern day social lens and political correctness... some part of racial treatments will likely offend your sensibilities. Instead, take it as a fictional yet historically rooted story. One which explores the conflict between friends and enemies, love and lost, and ultimately family and country. The cast was great! MattD did a great job playing the main role. Quiet, at times uncomfortably so, but the stoicism only magnifies his gravitas and a sense of strength.
In the finale, the movie won't offer you convenient and tidy answers, but it did leave me breathless with how everything was tied together neatly with a bow. The long tail possibilities are left to your imagination, which is the best way to end a great film.
Jean-Claude Van Johnson (2016)
Amazingly entertaining mini-series
This is action packed, touching, hilarious. Perfectly weaving the has-been movie star narrative with a spy story. JCVD delivered a great performance with sincerity and deadpanned one liners. The supporting crew were also castes just so for a great ensemble. Always skirted the line of cheesiness yet somehow never crossed it. Even the length is just right with 6 episodes, with no single plot line too lengthy to make it stale. Everything is just right... Highly entertaining!