bestcriteria Reviews

The Maze Runner (2014)

Too contradictory and illogical

[4/10 · 21 September 2014]

The movie is watchable and perhaps entertaining, but my wife did not like it at all. We both like thrillers, but this one was questionable at best as such.

Problems: A large group of teenage boys, on their own with no adult direction or counseling, and they all seem to get along well? Ha! I was in an orphanage where we were over 20 boys about the same age as in the movie, and I can tell you that the movie's portrayal is not realistic. These boys are at the prime age when sex is practically the most important thing in their lives, there are no girls around, and everything is OK? Finally, when a girl shows up, none of the boys has any desire for her? Ha!

And in spite of all this, some of the boys in the beginning appear to be fine with the notion of not trying to escape?

The filming of the boys fighting with the monster is poorly done and the audience cannot tell what is happening. All the scenes are very up close, short duration, and definitely nothing but confusing.

Contradictions (maybe mild spoilers?) The boys have managed to create a detailed model of the maze. Yet, at the beginning of the movie we are told that the maze changes daily, and based on the changes we see happen, there is no way that a model could be made. If the designated boys would be capable of 'mapping' a portion of the maze each day, by the time they mapped another portion the following day, the previous day's rendition would likely already be obsolete.

The monster evidently is man-made, and its legs, stingers, and so on appear to be made of steel. Yet, the boys can hurt and even defeat the monsters with crude wooden spears.

Hercules (I) (2014)

Simply awful

[2/10 · 25 July 2014]

I wanted to like this movie so much, and it was a big let down. I like mythology (primarily Greek and Roman), have read most related stories, and was looking forward to Hercules.

I was let down, but was not alone. To my surprise, the theater audience was mostly old people, as myself, so I imagine that they too were hoping to see another mythology-based movie; but a good one.

Too bad - the movie creates it own stories, and they are not any good. SPOILER There also is a lot of inconsistency - one time Hercules can defeat powerful foes and even hurl a horse over his head, but moments later mere mortals can easily bring him down if it is convenient for the story, of course. And you guessed it, a few moments later yet, he displays awesome power again.

The supporting cast is good, but Dwayne Johnson just doesn't cut it - well, at least for me, anyway. I can think of many other actors who may have made the movie a little less bad, but they probably did not want any part of it. There were a few funny moments (very few), and Hercules mother, at the beginning of the movie, was promising to watch, but she appeared only for mere moments.

Did I watch it in 3D? No! I have watched enough 3D movies now, and the truth is that after a few minutes, the 3D 'magic' disappears and I don't even notice the effect. I am convinced that our own brains make up for the 3D in our minds, and a regular movie looks just as good, and it costs half as much.

This Hercules is not even worth in DVD!

The Monuments Men (2014)

Extremely boring

[14 February 2014]

I was not expecting combat action, or a whodunit type thriller, but I was totally disappointed with the slow pace and the total lack of suspense.

The dialog was not witty or even interesting. The actors are first class, but are wasted. Other reviewers have said that Kate Blanchett steals the show, but there is nothing to steal, and she hardly is in the movie, and when she does appear, we are left with a 'is that all?' feeling. Other characters play their parts as though they were visitors in the set.

There were two or three instances where I was tricked into thinking that something exciting was going to happen, but the subject ended abruptly and the boring and easily anticipated theme was back.

I wanted to like the movie so badly that I was successful in staying awake for about 45 minutes, but then was in and out until the last 20 minutes, where the pace picked up from snail to turtle pace.

Act of Valor (2012)

Intense, excellent movie overall

[10/10 · 24 February 2012]

The first few minutes is standard action-movie-fare to provide a bit of background of the main players. Once the action starts, it is non-stop, and very well done. The movie simply holds your full attention throughout.

Some have said that the actors cannot act because they are not professional actors. Well, in that case, let me have non professional actors from now on! For a relatively low budget movie, it stands out among the likes of Blackhawk down and similar military action movies.

The military equipment and tactics used are well portrayed, and the execution of the assignments are faithful to what happens in real life. But then again, that is what the movie is even though it is not a documentary.

Atlas Shrugged: Part I (2011)

Can hardly wait for Part 2, and will there be a Part -1?

[9/10 · 15 April 2011]

The movie was everything my wife and I hoped for. I did not give it 10 stars simply because I can't tell whether a person who has not read the book could appreciate the movie to the full extent. If you haven't read the book, I recommend you read at least the first 500 pages or so, and then watch the movie - it will mean a lot more.

I would be interesting to see if Part 2 will be chapter 2; or if perhaps Part 1 was chapter 2, and parts 2 and 3 will be chapters 1, and 3. I say this because as has been said, the movie covers roughly the middle third of the book, and makes it very interesting.

The actors and actresses played their parts very well; especially Taylor Schilling as Dagny. The movie is fast-paced and it ended quicker than we expected; sort of as Kill Bill 1 – both movies leave you knowing that there is a lot more to the story. BTW, I am not suggesting that there are any similarities between KB-1 and AS-1 at all, other than there was more to follow.

The story in the book appears to take place sometime through the 1940's through 60's - perhaps. The movie sets the time around 2016, so it implies that this could (still) happen. Unfortunately, there are many parallels between the events in the story and today's events; too many for my comfort. But that's just me.

Also, for railroad fans, there are spectacular views of Taggart Transcontinental (actually, John Galt Line railroad at this point)passenger train traveling at 250 mph through beautiful Colorado country side and over breathtaking bridges.

Fracture (2007)

Good plot, but not properly developed with any real drama

[4/10 · 21 April 2007]

I was expecting so much from this movie given the reviews I had read, but ended up being totally disappointed. The movie might have been worth $5.50 at the Wally bin, but that is it.

There was 'zero' chemistry between Wally and Nikki (Ryan Gosling, Rosy Pike) and their romance was simply forced. There were a few funny moments, which lightened things up a bit at the beginning, but that was as good as it got, unfortunately. What little courtroom time there is has no suspense and little drama.

The plot was fine, and one keeps waiting for the star prosecutor (Wally/Gosling) to do something to catch the eluding bad guy Ted Crawford (Hopkins), and plenty of opportunities and strategies do come up, which makes us get all excited.

*** SPOILERS ***

But everything the Wally tries ends up wrong, and the bad guy gets away. Well, not quite. Towards the end of the movie, Wally's boss makes a comment that makes Wally go "Duh!" and he takes it from there. But for the movie's sake, it is too little too late.

I also wondered how did Ted know that Rob (Billy Burke) would be the one to investigate the 'attempted' murder? How did Ted know, well ahead of time, what type of gun Rob used, so that he (Ted) could substitute it?

Amazing Grace (2006)

Very flat movie - puts you to sleep

[4/10 · 24 February 2007]

The story is true, the acting is OK, the costumes are OK, but it was just as if I were watching PBS Masterpiece theater, at best. There is absolutely no action, there is no suspense, and we all know what the outcome will be, but it is boring getting there this way. My wife was OK with it - she thought the guy (Ioan Gruffudd) was cute. I thought the girl (Romola Garai) was pretty. That's it.

Wilberforce is honored by his colleagues for having succeeded in abolishing slave trade without having to resort to any sort of force, just peacefully, simply by talking... for many, many years. What is amazing about the movie? The song - period. Unfortunately, it is never sung entirely or done justice.

Mission: Impossible III (2006)

Simply put: I wish I had not seen it

[2/10 · 6 May 2006]

I was a big fan of the TV series, I liked MI-1, and I liked MI-2 even better, so I was really looking forward to MI-3.

Unfortunately, I was thoroughly disappointed. The plot was typical MI, which is OK with me, and the acting was as would be expected from the experienced and known cast. Nothing notable on either count.

The special effects... well, what can be said anymore of what the movie gurus are able to do to get our attention and impress us with their skills and application of technology.

What really got to me, though, was the actual presentation, filming, and editing. It seems that every action shot; i.e., scenes involving car chases, crashes, shoot-outs, and fights, lasted a second or two, and the camera was within a few inches of the action. Most of the time I couldn't tell what was really happening as from an observer's point of view - everything was right up to my face and the segments too short lasting.

Perhaps this is done in purpose - since it is almost impossible to detect continuity, attention to these details (continuity) is not necessary. MI-3 is just another of the movies I have seen recently that suffers from these maladies, and I hope that Hollywood steps back a bit, slows down, and allows us to enjoy (and actually be able to watch) what transpires instead of blasting away close up after close up.

United 93 (2006)

Excellent and hard hitting even though we know the outcome

[10/10 · 28 April 2006]

Of course, the outcome is predictable; but the movie does well in its portrayal (or speculation) of what happened. Based on the documented telephone calls from many of the passengers to their loved ones on terra-firma, the movie does lend authenticity to the events as they unfold.

As most people also will say, I remember exactly what I was doing when 9/11 took place. And having two sons in the military; one a pilot who was scrambled, albeit not in that specific area, and the other working in The Pentagon that very day, I have a very vivid recollection of the precise sequence of events. Nevertheless, I still found the movie to be gripping, and even suspenseful, considering the premise.

North Country (2005)

Acting and plot as expected; disappointed overall.

[4/10 · 22 October 2005]

If you know the story and the outcome, both of which are well known to most people; or even if you just watched the trailers and can imagine the outcome, then you have just about it all - the movie doesn't offer much more.

Yes, as could be expected, the acting was good by the main characters, but there were no spectacular performances. The panoramas and the huge equipment used in the mines were breath-taking, but that can only support the story, and it does.

I thought the movie could have had more impact if what happened would have been presented a bit differently; maybe a bit more complete in chronological order so we could have been jumping at the bits to see the issues resolved, and 'the bad guy' found out, or wondering whether he would be found out at all. Instead, we are sort of left blank and guessing throughout most of the movie.

If the story would have been told by Josie, exactly as she experienced it, it would have been better - for me, anyway.

The Dukes of Hazzard (2005)

Just sit back, don't analyze and enjoy it!

[7 August 2005]

I am 59 and my wife 61. We seldom watched the Dukes of Hazard TV show, but liked it the few times we did watch it.

We went to see the movie with no expectations of seeing a masterpiece, or great acting, or great lines, or whatever - just to be entertained.

Bottom line: we were entertained, and had a good laugh or two, and enjoyed it.

One thing we couldn't understand is why some people, who are/were connected with the original series, objected to this DoH movie because it has too much sex, drugs, etc. What? There are a couple of suggested drug or pot use (smoke-filled-rooms), and Jessica wears a bikini once or twice. The movie could be rated "G".

Sideways (2004)

Disenting opinion - What a bore!

[2/10 · 30 January 2005]

Granted, I drink wine only once or twice a year, and my knowledge of the subject can be expressed with two words: red & white.

And also true, the main subject was not wine, instead, it was about one guy 'knowing' that he was going to get laid one way or another before getting hitched, and wanting to make sure that his friend also got laid.

BUT, at least 50% of the dialog is wine-related, and if a person has not interest in this subject, then you might just as well go to sleep for 1/2 the movie - a few minutes here, a few minutes there.

The acting was OK, but what a waste of Virginia's talent. The two guys did a good job, but so what. The best part of the movie is towards the end, when a secret is revealed and all hell breaks lose. Too little, too late.

After watching the movie yesterday, my wife and I were just talking about it again today, and the more we think back, the more we regret having seeing it.

Elektra (2005)

Totally Worthless

[17 January 2005]

I am a fan of Jeniffer Garner and an Alias junkie. I have liked liked X-Men and similar movies, as I take them strictly as entertainment. I even enjoyed DareDevil!

But this Elektra movie was total disaster in every respect.

The movie really ends about 15 minutes before it is over, but they keep stretching to make it last about 1-1/2 hour long.

It probably would be OK as a Saturday morning 1-hour cartoon - for under three-year old's, that is.

Save your money, and don't even bother with the DVD.

I am forced to add more lines to my critique, but the movie doesn't even deserve the 10 lines that are required.

After the Sunset (2004)

Slow, predictable, impossible feats

[13 November 2004]

After reading several positive comments, my wife and I went to see it. I had to fight going off to sleep, and the only thing that kept me awake was to perhaps catch another glimpse of Salma (and when I say glimpse, I mean 1/2-second) as she was the only worthwhile part of the movie. My wife, who normally likes pierce, said that he looked terrible.

No suspense, impossible feats, (radio control of the full-size car, incredible swim to do the heist, and more) and very slooooow all the way through. The movie didn't know whether to be a suspense caper, a comedy, a romantic drama, so it ended being none.

Too bad, because it could have been better. Yes, there were about 3 seconds (total) of scantily clad Salma.

Van Helsing (2004)

Too much too fast - was it any good? I didn't like it.

[10 May 2004]

The effects were well done, but what's new about that anymore? There was so much going on, and the sequences cames and went to fast that I felt as though I was missing a lot of the story. I liked Kate, as in "Underworld", but she was wasted here. Besides, even for a 'fiction' movie, there was a lot of nonsense.

Both my wife and I, who are fans of the "Matrix" (only the first one, though), "X-Men" (first one was better), "Underworld", and many other actions flicks, could not wait for "Van Helsing" to be over! I believe I would rent it when it comes out so I can see what I may have missed. (4/10 stars at best)

Tears of the Sun (2003)

Better the second time? Yes!

[24 August 2003]

Watched it in the theater when it was first released and liked it a lot. But after hearing such mixed reviews, I wondered.... maybe I had missed something.

Watched it again- DVD this time. I liked it better. Also watched the commentaries by the advisors, the movie actors, the African actors (real people), and others. For me, these commentaries put to rest any doubts. Evidently, it is a rather accurate depiction of real life in every respect - Seals, tactics, and parts of Africa where this goes on.

Alex

Cutthroat Island (1995)

Watched it again - even better!

[20 July 2003]

I had seen "Cutthroat Island" a couple of times; when it first came out and again about three years ago. Last week I saw "Pirates of the Caribbean" about which everyone seems to be raving. So I watched "Cutthroat Island" again.

As far I am concerned, and my wife concurs, "Cutthroat..." is far superior Than "Pirates..." in every respect, except perhaps the music.

"Cutthroat..." has better and more action (the last battle between the ships is very well done), better humor, and no weird ('Depp') characters. And as far as acting is concerned, Geena Davis does an excellent job, as does the rest of the cast.

"Cutthroat Island" - - - much better

Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003)

Disappointed

[13 July 2003]

According to the comments I had read, I was expecting this movie to be somewhat of a serious attempt to portray real pirates via some sort of mystery and perhaps romantic plot. I certainly had no idea that it was going to be more like Sinbad fighting skeletons. And speaking of skeletons, why would anyone engage an adversary in any kind of a fight with swords, muskets, or whatever if it is known that the enemy cannot be killed or harmed under the existing circumstances? Why bother to do so under the moonlight?

Contrary to other's views, I had to struggle to keep my attention focused. The movie is too long. Depp does a good job, he is a fine actor. But the truth is that the character he portrays is not the type that I like to see as a lead role at all. There were other fine performances as well, but overall, I would rather be entertained by Geena Davis in Cutthroat Island any day. Ditto my wife.

Tears of the Sun (2003)

Well done

[8 March 2003]

Though it may not be Black Hawk Down, it does portray the suffering of some of the people in Africa in a rather riveting way. I have seen some of the same brutalities in network TV news (remember the Hutus and the Tootsies?) but somehow this made it more real.

The action is well done, and the characters are believable. Is the mission far-fetched and unrealistic? Perhaps a little, but we know similar events have happened.

I liked philosopher Edmund Burke's quote at the end: "All that is necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing"

A good thing to keep in mind in these times...

About Schmidt (2002)

Boring and bordering on depressing

[1/10 · 12 January 2003]

Premise of my critique: My wife and I go to the movies primarily for entertainment and secondarily to learn something. About Schmidt provides neither.

Almost everything that could go wrong for a guy (Schmidt) after he retires is depicted in detail through long (very long) scenes of no action: boring.

We all know that Jack and Kathy are going to give good performances- that is a given. But what a waste of talent to dwell on these aspects of life. I hope that none of this happens to me when I retire.

Yes, yes. Jack Nicholson gives a superb performance, but this alone does not a good movie make, and neither does a nude Kathy Bates. (Oh yes, you read correctly.)

The is no real humor - the audience has to supply the laughter, and you can feel the strain everyone goes through trying to find something (anything) at which to laugh. For example, they show some guy (just an unknown neighbor) taking out or throwing a bag of garbage, and some people laugh. Why, what is funny?

Nicholson 'adopts' a poor kid in a foreign country, and this becomes an important part of the movie. Both my wife and I thought (hoped) that eventually this would provide some real humor, but it does not. Instead, they portray this as real; that is, that Mr. Schmidt's contribution makes it possible to actually 'adopt' a child. And there is even a letter from some 'sister' (nun) writing about the 'adopted child'. BUNK! I can tell you that from personal experience. Most of those child-adoption programs are scams!

There may have been two or three funny scenes throughout the movie, but overall, it was one of the most boring movies we have seen.