santiagonunez16 Reviews

San Andreas (2015)

It's a Dwayne Johnson movie, what else would you expect??!!

[8/10 · 29 May 2015]

A movie with CGI and The Rock disguised as a disaster movie was actually a lot of fun. While it won't win any Oscars, it doesn't mean it's a bad film. Dwayne Johnson owns the movie right from the opening scene where we expect him to take charge of daring rescue after a motorist has steered off the road and is hanging on a cliff. Then there is the constant flexing of his huge biceps as he vogues for every scene from helicopter rescues to steering boats and planes. Still, this is the big budget, special effects movie Hollywood puts out every summer and the thrills are as huge as the big guy himself. The story is simple, sure we've seen it done before: divorcing dad from estranged soon to be ex-wife, in this case she's moved on to a richer boyfriend, and the daughter caught in between all of this will set off the story in motion. The most underrated actor in the world, Paul Giamatti, is brilliant as the scientist who figures out the catastrophic events that will soon unfold. The story would have been just as good with him in the lead and focusing on his character instead, but let's face it, he isn't the type of box office draw as The Rock. Still, I found his character underused a lot in this movie. San Francisco begins to crumble, along with various parts of California when the San Andreas fault lines give in. Now it's up to emergency rescue helicopter pilot to step up his game and do what he can to save his estranged wife and daughter. Think Die Hard of disaster movies. While the movie is predictable, loud, full of some decent CGI effects, it's still a pretty good night at the movies. Anyone who walks into a Dwayne Johnson movie expecting Citizen Kane here will be disappointed. This is a summer popcorn movie that does what it's supposed to and entertain you for 2hrs.

Redeemed (2014)

Pure Flix Winner

[8/10 · 22 May 2015]

Saw this on Netflix and was impressed. The message is there without being preachy and I took a lot away from this movie. Temptation, choices, and faith in God are the central themes. Since this is a faith based movie, it will contain biblical passages, bible, and moral lessons. The only gripe I have is Teri Copley. She has no talent and is out done by everyone in the movie. Her annoying voice reminded me of a porn star who grew old. Ted McGinley and David AR White turn in some credible performances here and keep the movie going. Fans of Courageous will recognize Kevin Downes as the film's antagonist. In the end, this is one of the better made Christian films out there and was good enough to be shown in Cinemas.

The Wedding Ringer (2015)

Did People See the Same Movie I Did???

[10/10 · 24 January 2015]

In all honesty, I think people lie on the internet (nah, really?) when in all honesty we are all a bunch of strangers to each other. There's no need to claim you saw or did something for the sake of putting your name out there on an entertainment website. Having said that, I had the opportunity to check this movie out in spite of the bad reviews IMDb users gave it. Seriously, this is a comedy in which you can't take serious, it won't win any Academy Awards, but if you're looking for unexpected laugh out loud fun, this is it!! I don't think I laughed so hard at a movie in a long time and really didn't expect much from this movie because we ended up in the theater by luck. The movie we originally intended to see had sold out and through word of mouth of people exiting this movie, everyone we talked to came out smiling and recommended checking this out. It's always the one movie you never expect to like, you end up loving the most.

The movie opens with Josh Gad looking for a best man after realizing his fiancé has planned an extravagant wedding using lots of bridesmaids. Unfortunately, while he's a successful tax attorney, he's also an unpopular loser with no friends. Enter the man of the hour, Kevin Hart, a hilarious pal to the pal-less. For the right price, he can make you look like a superhero to your fiancé, her family, and anyone else lucky enough to be in your presence. Sort of like an I Love You Man, but with better and more colorful characters, the audience I saw this with laughed so hard at times I couldn't hear the next scene.

Kevin Hart has been a roll of late with Ride Along, and in here, he's actually funnier and original, but it's not just him. Josh Gad is flipping hilarious and reminded me a lot of the physical humor of the late, great Chris Farley. The supporting cast of stuttering stud, mullet manic depressive, and Asian with a third testicle, will keep you rolling on the floor with laughter. Be on the lookout for cameos by Joe Namath and Ed "Too Tall" Jones in a funny pick up game of football. Above all, I rate this movie a perfect 10, because it's funny, surprisingly refreshing, and a comedy that actually makes you laugh.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2014)

The Title Suggests What You're Gonna Get!!!

[10/10 · 9 August 2014]

Every now and then a movie comes along with some old hash of retro mixed in with the new school tricks. This movie is a clear example of the fun you have when you check your brain at the door. It's a movie about ninja turtles based on a cartoon, based on a toy line, based on...well you get the idea. So if you're expecting Oscar winning performances, look else where, but if you're looking to have some fun at the movies this August, it's not a bad way to spend 100minutes. In 1990, I thought Jim Henson's muppet company did a fantastic job bringing the cartoon turtles to life. This around the budget is bigger, the effects better, and the action is top notch fun! Personally, I'm no fan of Michael Bay, but he managed to capture some originality in the Turtles franchise. Much like the fun of the first 2007 Transformers movie, there's decent character development for a huge summer movie like Ninja Turtles.

The Expendables 3 (2014)

Disappointed in this one

[5/10 · 7 August 2014]

I was a huge fan of the first two, in fact, I saw them a few times in theatres before buying their DVDs. The big stars, big explosions, over the top action, it's like Stallone was giving something back to the 80s and 90s kids who grew up watching his movies. This time around, it's more of a Lifetime movie of the week, complete with A-Team TV show violence, in a washed down PG-13 kiddie movie. Stallone has just gotten greedy. The explanation on the PG-13 rating is that he wants to expand the movie to a broader audience---in other words more money!

While I wouldn't say this movie completely sucks, it just isn't that good. The first one was a complete action feast the fans have been missing from old school action stars, unlike the weak movies that midget Tom Cruise has been putting out. The second one, in my opinion is the best of the series. The inside jokes and cameos or past action stars were all having fun and the energy showed!!

This time around the team adds Wesley Snipes, Harrison Ford, and Mel Gibson. Unfortunately none of them are given anything interesting to do. Harrison Ford looks like he's just here to pay some bills and collect a paycheck. Wesley Snipes spends his time trying to live up to Jason Statham as the second box office draw in the movie. Only Mel Gibson is the most interesting new character and the most fun to watch. His villain is compatible to Heath Ledger in The Dark Knight but he's wasted and not enough of him is shown. This sucks too because had he been given more screen time to channel his inner Mad Mel, this movie might have been saved.

So what's the movie about? The movie opens with The Expendables breaking Wesley Snipes out of jail on a moving train. Turns out Wesley was one of the original Expendables along with Mel Gibson. There's a joke made about Snipes real life prison past and other than that no real fun. The action scenes are feeble and the overblown stunts are a time killer. Enter the new mission, an arms dealer who turns out to be Mel who Stallone thought he killed way back when. Turns out Mel co-founded The Expendables with Stallone. Mel then wounds Terry Crews but instead of finishing him off, he just shoots him a few times but lets him live. Of course this sets the tone for the rest of the movie. There's some jarring from new CIA liaison Harrison Ford, replacing Bruce Willis as the new CIA contact. A knife fighting show with Snipes and Statham, somewhere in all this Arnold shows up with Jet Li, Kelsey Grammar, Rhonda Rousey, and a bunch of those kids from that sissy vampire movie Twilight get dressed up to play action hero. The action goes beyond hokey, particularly from 50-something Antonio Banderas who's supposed to be some acrobatic super soldier. Some how for 5'9 160 Banderas, the thugs seem to drop at some of silliest fight choreography this side of Ralph Macchio in those dumb Karate Kid movies of the 80s. Anyway, as you can expect there's a final fight between Gibson and Stallone. The movie is hokey, feeble, and missing the fun of the first two. It actually comes across as sort of a kid friendly cartoon. This is one I wouldn't throw good money on and wait for DVD.

Reign Over Me (2007)

Adam and Don deserved Oscars!!!!

[10/10 · 4 June 2014]

The one thing I took away form this movie was the deep and moving performance of Adam Sandler. I mean, this is The Waterboy, The Wedding singer, and Mr. deeds. One thing about Adam Sandler movies for the most part if they are the same in goofiness, and toilet humor, but this one was a surprise. I saw this after reading a review in the local paper about how his performance in the movie was so powerful, if it didn't tug at your heartstrings, then you aren't human. After watching this myself, for once, a mainstream critic got it right because I never agree with them.

Sandler plays a dentist in New York City who lives alone, not really feral because he does get around on his little motorized flat scooter. He's become a hermit in the big city due to loss of his family in the 9-11 attacks. This once promising, young, successful dentist has become a recluse, who's only comfort are his video games played through a projector. He has cut himself off from the world including his friends and family. Don Cheadle plays his once college room mate, who takes an interest in reconnecting with him. While Cheadle is in a supporting role, he matches Sandler's performance with the same intensity of a man trying to balance his own life, career, and family. See, everything Cheadle's character is, successful dentist, beautiful wife, children, and home, parallels everything Sandler's character once had.

Enter Liv Tyler, who does a good job in her secondary supporting role as a therapist who tries to get through to Sandler's character. There is a very a powerful scene that takes place in her office between Sandler and Cheadle as he opens up over his loss for the first in a long time. It's hard not to watch that scene and have a dry eye afterward. This isn't necessarily an Adam Sandler movie but an Adam Sandler and Don Cheadle movie because both actors are terrific. The performances between these two were amazing. Finally, after watching this film, it was hard to get up and move around only because the movie stays with you for bit after. Both of these men deserved awards for their performances and both were robbed in my opinion.

Dogville (2003)

Stays with you

[10/10 · 22 May 2014]

I had no desire to see this movie because I'm no fan of Nicole Kidman but a friend recommended I see this. This is probably one of the most original movies to come out in years and I'm sorry I missed it in 2003. Everything about this movie is terrific. The way it's filmed so simple, major Hollywood filmmakers should take notes that you don't need 100million in special effects to make a movie good. The movie's filmed from a state set, small prop pieces, few items here and there but it works. Good performances make this movie work and I must admit I was rooting for Nicole Kidman's character to come through. Be warned, this is a hard movie to watch. In fact, I still can't get it out of my head. Certain scenes will make you cringe and a shock of an ending will just sort of make you depressed.

The story is very simple, so are the characters, and the setting. Kidman's character shows up one day in an ordinary town. She's running from something and so her whole reason for being is mysterious. Who is she and where did she come from? She meets one of the locals who allow her to stay in the town in exchange for doing chores for the people who live there. Eventually, they agree to vote on her staying but at the same time, take advantage of her. she is kind and well meaning, even trying to better the town's attitude toward one another. This is where the story gets complicated. Soon she is mistreated to the point of rape by the men of the town and is offered no help or support from the women. Each character of this town is revealed to be so vile, even the kids are heartless and cold. Over time, it becomes clear, there is no redemption in this town.

The ending, not going to give it away but the payoff is shocking. In addition to the display of violence and sexual perversity displayed throughout the movie, it's like a hammer hitting the nail on it's head. Had this been an actual play and not a movie, this would have won every major award of the stage. I can't even begin to imagine the intensity of seeing something played out like this on a live stage. This would have become a global phenomenon and much like it is on film, talked about for years to come.

I'm in Love with a Church Girl (2013)

Good movie overall minus the bad acting of it's lead female star

[8/10 · 2 April 2014]

I rented the DVD and watched the extras before seeing the movie because I was familiar with the back story of Gally Molina. This was someone who is the perfect example of what someone can do with a second chance in life. I found out in an interview he gave, he had turned down other studios who offered to buy his story because they wanted to glamorize and emphasize his drug dealing past. Gally was more interested in the character's redemption than highlighting his past lifestyle. Don't get me wrong, while the movie does show some materialism in a fancy lifestyle, it's focus is on more of the characters themselves. This is a faith based movie so that should eliminate anyone else who isn't sure what type of movie they're watching. While the acting was amateur and seemed like a more a rehearsal reading, particularly of it's female lead Bailon. She comes off more annoying as the central theme to how reformed bad boy Ja Rule finds God. Still, the movie wasn't that bad. Ja Rule is the headline here, and he doesn't do a bad job with what he's given. He has the star potential to carry a major motion picture and it shows here. I was a little disappointed with the lack of music from it's other musical stars Toby Mac and T-Bone, in supporting roles, but will admit the soundtrack is catchy. The movie is not bad for a faith based movie and there is nothing here to offend anyone. Ja Rule is Miles, a drug dealer who has all the toys anyone could ever want in life. His crew is made up of Toby Mac and T-Bone, also drug dealers who are fronted as a concert promoters. They find themselves under the watchful eye of cops Stephen Baldwin and Michael Madsen. Throughout the movie there are some lessons learned in humility and redemption. The message here is second chances and forgiveness. I was really moved by this movie and with a little better acting, this could rival some of the bigger budgeted movies in Hollywood today. This is an inner city story of faith and forgiveness that I think a lot of people can relate to. Gather the family around, sit back with the family, and enjoy yourselves with this one. Don't forget to come as you are.

RoboCop (2014)

Of Course You're Gonna Compare It To The Original....But.....It's Not Bad

[9/10 · 21 February 2014]

I was part of the generation who remembers those 80s movies that are becoming re-made, re-fashioned, and re-booted. There was no need to remake Evil Dead, Nightmare on Elm Street, or Friday The !3th. So, I was skeptical and had my mind made up to skip this movie because the original is already a good movie. I'm glad I didn't skip this one because it does something rare you don't really see in movies, it actually entertains and keeps your attention. The story is the same, a cop is shot and left for dead, then rebuilt into a cyborg law man. I found this to actually stand on it's own two feet with some clever special effects and action. Joe Kinnaman makes Robocop human and his performance is compatible to Peter Weller. In my opinion, had there not been an original film made in 1987, this movie would be okay on it's own. There are some pokes at today's politicians, American credit, and consumerism too. This was a fun ride of a movie and before you judge a book by it's cover, you might be surprised at your self for liking this one.

Ride Along (2014)

Kevin Hart kick starts 2014 with some laughs

[10/10 · 19 January 2014]

I caught a sneak preview of this a few weeks back and was surprised at how funny it was. This is the first major film Kevin Hart is carrying on his own outside of his concert movies. After supporting roles in Think Like A Man and Grudge Match, this is his opportunity to show what he can do on his own. What he does is makes you laugh, his energy, his charisma alone carries this action comedy to another level. Surprisingly, he has great chemistry with a tough looking Ice Cube, as an Atlanta cop bent on making his life a living hell. There is sequel potential as it would be interesting to see what these guys will be up to in a few years. Make no mistake this is Kevin's movie and much like Chris Tucker did with Rush Hour, makes a memorable character you can't help but follow.

In the film, Kevin Hart plays a high school security guard who has basically two dreams in life. To become an Atlanta police officer and marry the girl of his dreams, whose brother Ice Cube has other plans. Initially, Cube sets up Kevin on a plan to fail during a routine ride along but the two become unexpected allies and friends. There's a back story involving a major crime king pin played by Laurence Fishburne, who makes a memorable bad guy as the film's main antagonist.

This is the first of several movies Kevin Hart will star in this year and while many compare him to Eddie Murphy, Chris Tucker, and Martin LLawrence, make no mistake he's his own person. The supporting cast of Cube, Fishburne, and even John Leguizamo makes this a fun time at the movies.

Homefront (I) (2013)

It's a Jason Statham movie, what were you expecting?

[9/10 · 16 January 2014]

At first glance most Jason Statham movies are pretty much about the same thing. Some quiet, keep to himself guy finds himself using exceptional fighting skills against the bad guys. Turns our he's usually the fastest gun, in this case fist in the west. This time Jason Statham is a retired-likely forced retired DEA agent who raising his daughter after his wife and her mother pass away. They move to a quiet town somewhere in Louisiana and settle in. When his daughter gets harassed by the local bully in school, she drop kicks him into another dimension--hey, she did warn him before she broke the fat tub of lard's nose. Next we meet his mother, a very loud, unrecognizable Kate Bosworth who disrespects both daughter and Statham. When she fails at intimidating him by having her husband try to assault him in the school parking lot-a one-two takedown by Statham, she enlists the help of local meth kingpin brother, James Franco. There is a back story in the beginning and some actual character development dealing with Statham's former life and an undercover cop. Frank Zito, who in my opinion is very under rated both as a character actor and villain in this case, steals the opening sequence as motorcycle gang leader bent on revenge. This movie has some exceptional fight scenes, explosions, and very intense show down between Franco and Statham that was actually pretty surprising and satisfying. This is a Jason Statham movie but a strong supporting cast of Franco and Zito steal the show as both small time and big time antagonists. Action fans will enjoy this latest blend of action and drama from the last true action star of this genre. At 100 minutes, its just long enough to hold your interest. Surprisingly, Statham's last few films have contained some human elements to their stories. While it's not going to win any major awards, this movie is sure to please action fans and others looking for a decent night out at the movies.

Evil Dead (2013)

Finally a remake worthy of the original!!!

[9/10 · 19 October 2013]

After years of remakes of classic horror and cult movies, this one finally does it right. The classic still stands the test of time but this one can do what no other horror film has been able to do in years...actually be scary. Modern technology has enabled Hollywood to add some terrific special effects with lots of gore and violence. Beyond the gore and violence the story is pretty much the same. This time the hero is a heroine which actually plays better in my opinion. Fans of the original Sam Raimi film will not be disappointed. He was afterall, one of the producers on the film. Stay tuned after the credits for Ash fans!

Carrie (2013)

This isn't horror, it's a lifetime movie of the week with cussing!

[1/10 · 19 October 2013]

I saw the original Carrie at the drive in when I was a kid and was looking forward to the re-make. Unfortunately, this was a huge let down of a horror film. Can you even call it horror? Where the original felt creepy, this was just plain slow and dramatic. The scares have been replaced with emotional and dramatic scenes of child abuse. Carrie is bullied, her mother abuses her, and she's coming of age except her puberty is telekinesis, with a little revenge. Had this been a drama, it might work better instead of hiding behind the image of an all out horror film. The magic of the original is gone. If you want to see a scary movie, see the original, if you want to see the drama version of Carrie and be bored out your mind, then check this out! Personally, I like scary movies to be scary and thrilling. This is neither, maybe next time they'll get a remake right.

Do the Right Thing (1989)

Before She Hate Me Spike had something to say

[10/10 · 28 September 2013]

I wasn't going to comment but after reading some of the debate over who "did the right thing" in the movie had me laughing. There are neighborhoods like Bed-Stuy all over the country and I grew up in one similar to the one in the movie. Usually a neighborhood will have stores that represent the demographics of the population. What Spike Lee is saying in certain neighborhoods are about money and gentrification. An Italian and Korean store in a black and Latino neighborhood was a crucial plot point in the film because the attitudes combined with the humidity led to the movie's climax. I saw this when i was 13 years old and got the message instantly. I've never questioned Mookie's action of whether he "did the right thing," because I understood the monologue Radio Raheem gave earlier in the movie. The love/hate war Radio Raheem talked about was to me at 13, very clear, because just when you think hate wins, love subsides and overcomes. Right before Mookie threw the trash can threw Sal's window he yells "hate!" SPOILER-when he goes to Sal about getting paid finally at the end, they both cautiously become friends again (love). Radio Raheem wasn't a thug, he was just a normal guy in the neighborhood who had the respect for being older and yes, even more mature than the other people on the block. Spike Lee wasn't condemning anyone in this movie but examining norms affecting society in neighborhoods like Bed-Stuy, when combined with heat and the attitudes of a few trouble makers explode. When Sal's burned down, Spike left a hidden message there, do you think Sal rebuilt his place back to Bed-Stuy?? Of course not, but now the property is vacant and open to someone else at a low price for redevelopment (gentrification). So keep an open mind, Do The Right Thing is controversial, but it's also one of the best films made.

Instructions Not Included (2013)

Don;t judge a book by it's cover, this is the best film I've seen this year!!

[10/10 · 5 September 2013]

I first saw this advertised as a trailer for Grown Ups 2 and thought this was going to be the latino Big Daddy. Afterall, this is the same guy who was in Jack and Jill as the gardener in that lame Sandler movie from 2011. I caught this movie as an advanced show and must say I was very surprised. The humor was fun but believable, and this movie has something few comedies do today---it has a heart. The story is simple, a play boy finds out he has a daughter and is left to raise her when the mother-who was a one time fling-abandons her at his doorstep. During the first six years of her life we see him grow from a selfish slacker to a responsible dad. Eventually, the father/daughter find themselves living in the US where dad is now a Hollywood stuntman--in a very funny bit--with his daughter as his coach and best friend. As you would expect, mom comes back and this is where the story gets serious. You might think you have seen this before but trust me, you haven't as there are so many twists and turns to surprise even the most cynical movie critic. what I enjoyed most about this film is the humanity in the story, it was believable, unlike the juvenile crap of the latest Sandler/Ferrell crap. This movie received a standing ovation from a packed theatre. Don't judge a book by it's cover, this is the best film I've seen this year.

The Butler (I) (2013)

Forrest and Robin keep it going

[7/10 · 17 August 2013]

I am not saying this isn't a good movie, because it is, but I was expecting more with all the talent involved. The story is a loose telling of the life of Cecil Gaines, a butler who worked the whitehouse for a number of decades under various presidents. I read where Chris Tucker was once attached to this in the Forrest Whitaker role. Although Whitaker did an excellent job I can't help but wonder what if Chris Tucker had decided to take the role? what interesting spin would he have taken this film? I found the movie to be engaging at times but also slow. Robin Williams cameo as Eisenhower was one of the few pleseant surprises of this or any other film this year. Mariah Carey I though was mis-cast in the early scenes as Cecil's mother. Even David Banner I thought was good enough as Cecil's father to make up for the talent-or lack of-Mariah Carey. Still, it is a good movie, just not a great one, cut 30 mins from the running time and this would have been better.

Rust (I) (2010)

Why wasn't this in theatres???????????

[9/10 · 16 August 2013]

I must say this movie was a pleasant surprise and the film makers really cheated themselves by not releasing this to theatres. With all the recent success of faith based movies like Fireproof, Courageous, and The Grace Card, this movie has better acting than a lot of mainstream Christian movies today. Corbin Bernsen is the kind of actor who has relegated himself to doing low budget, straight to DVD movies, in fact the last major movie in a theatre he was in was Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang. In the movie, he plays a minister who has lost his faith and returns to his hometown. There is a mystery here involving a house fire and his once good friend who has now been committed to a psych ward. Lloyd Warner stands out as Travis, the once good friend of Bernsen's character. Throughout the film, I found myself wanting to know the back story behind the two characters and exactly why they both seem to have ended up on opposite sides of life. Everything is shown to us and it's done very well. There is no profanity in this movie, but there are some other themes which in my opinion should have up the movie's rating to a PG-13 based on the elements of suicide, depression, and violence. Either way I recommend this film to anyone and would allow my kids to watch it as well.

Shooting Gallery (2005 Video)

Freddie Lives!!

[1/10 · 10 August 2013]

This movie is awful but it did give Freddie Prinze Jr. a job after his tween bop movies faded out. It's amusing watching Mr. Prinze play a street tough complete with a fake thug, accent and wannabe street credibility. He looks dressed for Halloween with some ghetto look. Ving Rhames must have had bills to pay except this came out around his failed Kojack series which explains how his co-star from that show roselyn Sanchez appears too. Bad acting, Ginny look for the once pretty boy Prize and no story made for a dull wannabe gangster tale of hustlers and bad cops. There's a story in Herr somewhere??? I think but skip this one.

Afterschool (2008)

Garbage in every sense

[1/10 · 10 August 2013]

I first heard of this on IFC where the director was mentioned in the same breath as Gus Van Want. Really?? This garbage is the most boring film ever made. At first, it was advertised as Van Sant's Elephant, which is one of the best movies I've ever seen. That film was robbed of a best picture Oscar in my opinion. The difference between this film and Elephant is simply direction. Director Campos has created characters we don't care about and puts them in situations so dull and even far fetched if you managed to keep your eyes opened till the very end you've accomplished a lot. Depressing, boring, and manipulative the director here is trying to make you feel like you're watching something of merit in terms of art. How this movie won awards is beyond me. I can only say skip this one because you won't get the running time to watch this garbage back in your life. A complete bore and waste of time.