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Reviews
The Gambler (2014)
Worst Movie Wahlberg Ever Made
Mark should never have trusted the director and especially not that screenplay. As you watch this film you ask yourself why I'm I doing this. You'll hate Wahlberg's character and wonder why anyone would give him the time of day much less lots of money to gamble with. Unless you just want to get depressed, skip this one for sure. The only reason I gave it a 3 instead of a 1 is because Wahlberg can act. I can give you a list of films Mark has made that are just great to watch and enjoy. Maybe it's because I hate movies where everyone's a smart ass, gambling addict or drunk, but this movie is depressing.
Oppenheimer (2023)
And The Best Picture Goes To
From start to finish, this three hour film delving into the theory that, the nuclear weapon is the most important achievement in history, is a masterpiece. Casting is truly flawless, acting across the board is spectacular especially that of Cillian Murphy, it's beautiful, it's intense, it's thought provoking, the story is masterfully told and it leaves a lasting impression. If you see one film this year make it Oppenheimer. Christopher Nolan is brilliant. All and all Oppenheimer should take Best picture, best director, best actor and best supporting actor for sure and possibly best supporting actress. There will be other Academy Awards scattered in as well but this achievement will be unsurpassed unless Napoleon brings it home in the end.
Gunpowder Milkshake (2021)
A Review is Futile
Ordinarily I'd write some sort of insightful stuff showing my grasp of filmmaking. I this case I can't find the words to say just how bad this thing is. Looking at the stellar cast you'd think going in, this could be really fun. Please don't waste your time, you can thank me later.
Fatman (2020)
Ridiculous
It's hard to find anything good about this film. If it has an overall 6 rating, I question the validity of the critics reviews.
Mr. Jones (2019)
Beautiful Cinematography, That's About It.
I've never experienced a film where the sounds of life detracted so much from the story. The struggle of the Russian people before WWII and after is well known and this film certainly does nothing to explain or embellish the underlying causes. Mr. Jones is so naive that he is no where close to sympathetic.
The Scheme (2020)
It's a 10 for any sports fan
I'll make this short. If you're a college basketball fan and don't watch this, you'll be missing one thing that will either confirm or completely change what you think about the NCAA, the FBI and our judicial system. It's extremely well done and to true. I checked.
Yesterday (2019)
I saw the Beatles Live, yea yea yea yea!
My review is so bias, you may want to consider it a protectionist take on sacred material or a passionate fans expert labor of love love love. The premise of this well told tale is just, way cool. The telling of the story is exceptional. The script is flawless (I wouldn't change a word). The characters are all well intending likable pieces of a plot that is destined to have a happy and fulfilling ending. You would think with all that said, I would give it a 10, wish I could because the stories that good. Here's one rub; the underlying love element doesn't quite work, there is just no chemistry between the lead actors. Her performance is solid and his isn't bad but there's just no one screen magic. Here's the big rub; Himesh Patel who plays Jack Malik and carries the mail, sort of speak, for The Beatles, is a decent actor that has a task he's not up too. Too many of the performances of Beatles masterpieces, he's off pitch and then butchers a couple of songs which the Beatles material protectionist in me finds offensive. Bottom line, Patel was miscast. To me that was the real flaw in this otherwise Oscar worthy film. So the fault lies with the producer on this one, not Patel. I really wish you cared about these two people getting together and that The Beatles music was expertly performed and produced. If that were the case, Yesterday would have been one of my favorite films of all time. By the way Ed Sheeran does a great job as himself.
Once Upon a Time in... Hollywood (2019)
If You Love Turtles
If you love turtles you'll love "Once Upon a Time". It takes forever to get going but it finishes strong. There's no shortage of star power lending their talent to Tarantino's twist on a time in the Hollywood Hills when real evil grabbed the headlines. As in "Inglorious B's", Tarantino takes a time in history that we wish went very differently and gives us an outcome that is so satisfying that we go home with a smile and a "if only" in our hearts. I'd still say Pulp Fiction is by far Tarantino's best work with Hateful Eight bringing up the rear. I'm going to go out on a limb and say Once Upon a Time is a distant second. If only you liked any character as much as you do Brad Pitts stuntman. It's not that the acting isn't great, it's just a script that falls flat as it rambles around for about an hour in the telling of the tale. Finally here comes the good stuff with about 45 mins left and the best stuff roars in with about 20 mins left. If this were a book you'd probably put it down after awhile and never pick it up again. But this film has Leonardo and Brad and you paid way to much to put this one down. It's for sure worth sitting through the mind dumbing first half in order to laugh and cheer at the end. It's a good night at the movies, enjoy.
Once Upon a Time in... Hollywood (2019)
If You Love Turtles
If you love turtles you'll love "Once Upon a Time". It takes forever to get going but it finishes strong. There's no shortage of star power lending their talent to Tarantino's twist on a time in the Hollywood Hills when real evil grabbed the headlines. As in "Inglorious B's", Tarantino takes a time in history that we wish went very differently and gives us an outcome that is so satisfying that we go home with a smile and a "if only" in our hearts. I'd still say Pulp Fiction is by far Tarantino's best work with Hateful Eight bringing up the rear. I'm going to go out on a limb and say Once Upon a Time is a distant second. If only you liked any character as much as you do Brad Pitts stuntman. It's not that the acting isn't great, it's just a script that falls flat as it rambles around for about an hour in the telling of the tale. Finally here comes the good stuff with about 45 mins left and the best stuff roars in with about 20 mins left. If this were a book you'd probably put it down after awhile and never pick it up again. But this film has Leonardo and Brad and you paid way to much to put this one down. It's for sure worth sitting through the mind dumbing first half in order to laugh and cheer at the end. It's a good night at the movies, enjoy.