hardandwaiting Reviews

Harley Quinn (2019– )

Utter silliness with a touch of decent story writing

[6/10 · 30 November 2019]

(The below is based on the viewing of the first episode)

Everything considered, I liked it. Yes, the foul language perhaps could have been turned back a notch in the beginning but it did not deter me from enjoying the show. The dialogue between characters was often amusing and the pacing was where it should have been. There is some ultra-violence. . .enough that you definitely do not want 8 year old Bobby or Suzy or Sean or Michael or Trudy watching it. Sven is allowed to watch it though. Sven is THE MAN! (not really. It would not be appropriate for 8 year old Sven either) The voices took a second to accept (especially for those used to Kevin Conroy and Mark Hamill) but by near the end of the episode I was fine with it. I am interested to see where they go with the show.

Be warned. They do take some liberties with side/minor characters for the sake of whimsy. Nothing earth shattering though. That said, have fun.

It (I) (2017)

Everyone in the theater enjoyed It

[8/10 · 9 September 2017]

'It' is instant classic about a clown (Pennywise) who brings a group of children together to help them overcome their fears. From the very beginning, when you marvel at him helping a young boy retrieve his paper sailboat from the sewer, to later near the end, when he helps a troubled teen deal with the relationship which his father, one can't help but notice that is focus is on the adolescents - taking care to make sure they do not evolve into troubled adults. Younger movie goers will be in awe at the antics of Pennywise and adults will be impressed as well.

My suggestion is to head to your local cinema now. The movie might be a bit loud at times (I blame the theater for having the sound up too loud) so I advise against taking toddlers or infants to the show. Those 5 and up should be fine.

Remember, the R rating for this movie is for 'Rascally'. Oh Pennywise.

The Emoji Movie (2017)

Ignore the haters. Emoji Movie is DA BOMB!

[10/10 · 30 July 2017]

If the makers of Tuscan Milk and the creators of the Three Wolf Moon shirt decided to make a film. Emoji Movie would be the result. Bright, crisp fluid animation meets the modern-day version of Shakespeare (though nowhere nears as boring). The characters almost leap off the screen as they are so believable. Then, with such an all-star cast (including Stiffler's mom. STIFFLER'S MOM)

The DVD and Blu-Ray sales are going to be OFF THE CHARTS! I would suggest pre-ordering whatever deluxe steelbook 4k edition now as to not disappointment little Bobby or Suzie on Christmas morning. In the meantime, I would suggest multiple rewatches. Heck, find a homeless person and take them with you to see this film. It is so awesome and life-changing that when they are through witnessing this triumph of entertainment, the will no longer be a hobo.

I really wish I had more stars to give.

Resident Evil: Damnation (2012)

Fun to watch

[7/10 · 18 September 2012]

Of note, this is a movie. It will not scare the pants off of you like the games can. Understanding that it is not the game makes the film easily enjoyable.

The CGI is VERY well done and the English voice acting leaves little if anything to be desired. The storyline is simple and recurring characters are portrayed faithfully. The fight scenes are choreographed very well.

Leon seems to have more quips in this film, but those are forgiven in the light of everything else. Thankfully, he is starting to show a bit of weariness in his plight. JD steals the show for a short bit without detracting from the mood of the film. Ada is ruthless and manipulative as ever. All in all, a fun ride.

You do not need to have seen Resident Evil: Degeneration to enjoy this film, though I would suggest you see it anyway as it is a great film in its own right.

For fans of the video games, there is a treat to be had that is not on the cover.

This film, as well as Degenerations, are considered to be canon whereas the travesty known as the live action films are not.

Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, Part 1 (2012 Video)

The original story alone saves it

[4/10 · 16 September 2012]

The animation is top notch and the art style stays true to the graphic novel. What is a travesty is the voice acting. It is not only off, but wrongly paced on occasion.

Batman should be staunch, methodical, longing for hope but mired in reality. Gordon should be weary yet dedicated. Another character (no spoilers here) should have a booming presence yet comes across like a wannabe tough guy.

I am not asking for Mark Hamill as the Joker or anything like that. Peter Weller was a great actor in Robocop, but a poor Bruce Wayne/Batman. Going through the movie, this seems to be more of an error of the director than the voice actor. The pacing is wrong in certain areas - again the fault of the director. I am fine with a few of the edits (though there is one key one that sets up the latter movies that was omitted - fine); however, the voice acting makes what we see in visual believable.

They won't listen to a mere voice, but SPEND THE MONEY AND GET SOME QUALIFIED VOICE ACTORS. It is horrifying that one of the greatest graphic novels of all time will go down as poorly executed. However, I am not THAT worried though - the artwork is decent enough that fans can overdub it and make it the work of art it should be.

It should be an 8. It gets a 4.