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Reviews
The Shift (2023)
Hard to watch
Normally I love just about everything Angel Studios puts out. This one is a tough one to get behind. The story is, in my opinion, very hard to follow and stay engaged in. I actually started the movie, got easily distracted, and came back to it and started it over. The acting is good, the cinematography is good, but the story is odd, hard to stay engaged with. It's the same idea good vs evil. The devil makes you all these glorious offers and promises, tries to break your believes, trust, faith in God. As Christians we all know that God tests us. We all know that the devil is always present and trying to tempt us. It's our faith in God that keeps us grounded, it keeps us steadfast and strong. This movie seems to indirectly tiptoe around all of this. It just wasn't what I expecting nor was it as thought provoking and soul touching as other productions by Angel Studios.
Poor Things (2023)
How do I put this....
Just odd!! That is probably the best descriptive word for this movie, odd!! Don't get me wrong it's so odd you have to keep watching it just so you can see how it ends. Trust me you'll want to see how it ends. The visuals in this movie are top notch. The acting is just as the script seem to want, odd, lol. I would say the movie is possibly geared much more toward a female audience. Let me say this, but let it stop you from checking this movie out, it was very strange watching Mark Ruffalo in this type of role. He was brilliant but so far from his roles over the past several years. Do I recommend this movie, yes? But be prepared that you cannot prepare for the oddity that it is. Emma Stone earned and deserves the Oscar she got for this role, just brillant watching her character progress throughout the movie.
The Black Demon (2023)
Honestly it's not bad
Decided to give this movie a watch. I think many of the reviewers got this movie all wrong. It's not about the demon at all, it's so much more than that. People complaining about this, that, and the other probably decided to watch it because it has a big shark in it. I don't want to give away any spoilers but don't watch this if your looking for all that shark gore because you won't find that here. What you will discover is something deeper, more profound. Is it a great movie, no, but it's a solid watch. Is the acting great, no, but they get the job done. Before you hit that play button remember it's not gory and it's not an edge of your seat kind of action or thriller movie. In this reviewer's opinion it's worth the watch. Note: it does drag out a little longer than was probably needed.
Wonka (2023)
Fell short, but still enjoyable
Maybe they have another movie in mind or maybe my expectations were too high. Everything I love about the original Willy Wonka seemed slighted. I understand this is about his beginning but it still felt like something was missing, umpa lumpas were missing. There isn't a Wonka without the umpa lumpas. One cranky umpa lumpa does not fix the missing connect that Wonka has with chocolate with the umpa lumpas. With all of that being said I still enjoyed the movie. I think Timothy Chalamet did a wonderful job as the younger version of Wonka. The music was familiar but the words worked for the story. I will definitely watch this movie again, but it is missing an important part of Wonka's chocolate journey, the umpa lumpas. Who knows, Hollywood seems to like sequels and remakes lately, perhaps there will be more to the story in the future.
Rebel Moon - Part One: A Child of Fire (2023)
Take it for what it is
Ok so I get the disappointment from people and kind of understand some of the ratings. But I think this movie should be reexamined for what it is. Which is first off, classic Zach Snyder, you cannot deny the graphics, the action scenes, the overall beauty of the creativeness in each scene. Now, with that being said let's examine what everyone is truly struggling with. It feels like a rip off, so much that appears and feels like stolen storylines from some of our most popular and beloved Sci-fi stories. Yes this is very true, but look at it like this it's an homage to all of us Sci-fi nerds. Zach took some of the best, scrambled them up, added to them, and created new worlds, new characters, new reasons to love the best stories in Sci-fi.
I recommend you watch this movie, or rewatch it; with new vision. Accept it for what it is and you just might discover you like it more than you thought. Trust me there are things in the movie that will surprise you. Things you really didn't see coming.
For those saying it's a rip off of Star Wars, it's a rip off of so much more than Star Wars. I see Dune, Pitch Black Series, Indiana Jones, Gaurdians of the Galaxy, Clash of the Titans, and several others.
Appreciate the movie for what it is. I for one am looking forward to the release of part 2.
Cop Land (1997)
Good movie
Not sure why it's taken me this long to watch this movie, but I watched it for the first time tonight. Many big names in this movie but I wanted to watch because 2 of my favorites are in it; Stallone and Liotta. I think they both did an excellent job. It was hard watching Sylvester Stallone play such a meek character but he did such an amazing job, it just shows how talented he is and that he does have range. All the main characters did a great job. The 2 main female rolls and actresses were just unimpressive and in a way, unnecessary. You should really check this movie out, especially if like the whole good cop versus bad cop.
Knights of the Zodiac (2023)
No Expectations - that's the key
Unlike many of the reviews I watched this movie with no expectations or preconceived idea of who and what each character was. Perhaps that's the reason I enjoyed it. The visualization of this movie is wonderful. It's not the best acting in the world but the script might of contributed to that. There was great potential there but I think it was missed. If you are going to take a character like Athena she needs to be more, the "human" that was to become Athena didn't fit "the mold" of what we all know her to be. To enjoy this movie best, it's probably best to watch at without consideration to anything you might previously know about the characters. So, yes I gave it 6 stars, I think it deserves it, it was enjoyable to watch.
The Misfits (2021)
Underrated
So let's start off by saying this is about as cheesy as they come. Not exactly a shining moment for Pierce Bronson but it was entertaining nonetheless. If you pay attention when the movie starts you can already discern that it doesn't take itself seriously. The characters are all some form of a goof, the beginning of the movie sets the tone and if you expected anything more then that's on you. Now I'm not going to give away any spoilers but if you watch this for what it is, a spoof heist, then you will most likely enjoy it. I've said it in other reviews but you must actually judge this movie for self. I found it entertaining and goofy, maybe you will too.
Reptile (2023)
So slow...
I've enjoyed most movies that Justin Timberlake has done so I decided to check this one out. It's a slow, slow moving whodunit kind of movie.
It started out kind of calm and slow. There's been a murder but nobody is just overwhelmingly devastated about it. Well that's pretty much the pace of the entire movie. You're given a "list" of possible suspects, anyone of who could've done it. But they just drug the movie out so bad, I fell asleep and when I woke up it was almost over and I still totally understood what was happening. I won't watch it again to find out what I missed because it couldn't have been that important or I would've felt the need to rewind.
I gave it 6 stars because the acting really isn't bad, the story is your typical murder type mystery. But there's no excitement to it. It's worth a lazy day not really in the mood for anything else kind of movie.
Nowhere (2023)
More than I expected
When I first added this to my watchlist I really wasn't sure I wanted to watch it but it looked like it could be ok. Tonight I decided to watch. I really enjoyed the movie. The concept was really nothing new but this story with these characters made it different, touching. Everytime she made a new decision to make her situation better I found myself rooting for her. The movie starts out portraying her as a fragile, meek woman incapable of doing anything on her own. Futher into the movie you learn why but you also learn she's made of so much more. You'll find yourself "shouting" at her for some stupid things and crying with her over other things. I'm not going to give anything away, but I will say if you enjoy survival type movies then you should really watch this one.
The Little Mermaid (2023)
Not what I was expecting
I gave in a decided to watch The Little Mermaid tonight. To be quite honest I was prepared for it to be bad. As one of those moms whose daughter made us watch the original over and over and over; I was not happy with the change to Ariel that Disney made.
The young lady has a beautiful voice and closely matches that from the original, perhaps that is why she was cast. The movie isn't terrible, the story is still the same. They blended the live action with CGI quite well. But there are many moments throughout the movie where the acting was just horrible. There was no emotion, no passion. The characters in the animated version had more emotions than the live ones in this movie. Once on land Ariel should of been bewildered, curious, excited, in awe of everything around her. Not in this version, the things that should've brought her great excitement and joy we barely got a smile. So in all, nor a bad watch but not one I'll run back to watch again.
Disney should stop messing up what is already great. Stop trying to repeat what has already succeeded. Create something new and original or stop making movies until you can.
Hotel Artemis (2018)
Unexpected
I didn't know what to expect when I decided to watch this movie. I had never heard of it before but had actors in it that I liked so I decided to check it out. At the very first I thought about not even finishing it. But I stuck it out and I'm rather glad I did. Don't watch this with any kind of specific expectations just watch for what it is a movie with some talented actors (some with really bad script). Jodie Foster made this movie, it's her character that made me decide to keep watching. Nurse is an interesting character and I think Jodie Foster did her a great justice. There is something oddly endearing about the character and how she cares for and runs the Hotel Artemis. In my opinion it's worth the watch.
Jesus Revolution (2023)
Spectacular!!
Let's just start out by saying you NEED to watch this movie, Christians and non-Christians alike. As a Christian we always need that electric shock to our soul. A reminder of the power of the love of our one and only Savior, Jesus Christ. This movie will remind you and touch places in your soul that haven't been hit hard since that first day you said "I do, I will" to Christ. As a non-Christian you owe it to yourself to watch a movie that is wonderfully made about an era of our country that came with so much turmoil, change, and love. Perhaps you've had questions, feelings you didn't understand, questions the world stibks at answering. This movie may just help you find "it". It doesn't preach at you, it shares love and a message of love. It shares truth because no matter how devout a Christian you are you will have doubts, you will be tempted and tested. You will be broken and repaired.
If none of that speaks to you, watch this movie just because it's a great movie and deserves to be shared.
Crash (2004)
Mixed Feelings
I just can't find the right words to say how I feel about this movie. I can say that the acting is excellent. I've never been so mad and sad for characters before. I totally get the point of the movie. I grew up in Memphis during that same time, but I was kid I never witnessed anything like what is exposed in this movie. The amount of racism between all the races in this movie hurt my soul. The labeling, the blaming, the bashing, it just plain hurt to watch. Then it hurt because it's not much better today, it's different groups now not just races. In the end though I saw people be human to each other when it mattered most. I saw in the eyes of Dillon's character the realization of how terrible his actions had been and the impact it had on others as well as his own life. I can't say this is a terrible movie don't watch because perhaps if more of us watch then maybe a few of us can work toward a change. In the end we all have the same color blood. If you elect to watch this movie and you have a heart be sure to have plenty of tissues, but be warned it hits on some really hard subjects.
Hunger (2023)
Don't skip this
If you enjoy any kind of movie that is about a chef then you font want to skip this. It's not the best but it's not the worst either. I wouldn't compare this to The Menu anymore than I would any other movie about a chef. The only thing in common between The Menu and Hunger is the arrogant chef that gave up morals and sinality to be famous. The main character has more depth and purpose than the famous chef. It will jerk you from direction to direction with some unanswered questions but if you watch until the end you will get a lot of those answers. Don't go into this movie with a preconceived notion that you know what's going to to happen. There is a lesson to think about from this movie.
The acting is a little dull but gets the job done. The audio dubs are actually pretty good. It wasn't an uncomfortable watch.
Black Road (2016)
Oddly Satisfying
Where do I start. This is a good blending of sci-fi and weird mystery. Acting was ok and odd at the same time. Yes the word here is odd. I don't want to give anything away because to be honest it was a good watch. Just be prepared to not have all of your questions answered. They did a good job of keeping you guessing who was the good and who was the bad. Let's be honest though they could've done a better job. I think it's suppose to be "furturistic" but they didn't do a good job at that. If you like sci-fi like and odd mysteries then you should watch it. It will keep you interested and leave you a little intrigued by the ending.
Renfield (2023)
Mixed Feelings
I have very mixed feelings about this movie. I can't decide if it's a brilliant comedy or a tragic disaster. I love both of the main actors, each have great qualities. I am partial to Nicholas Cage because I've been a fan for a long time. The acting was good, the make-up I thought was outstanding. The intention I totally get it. But the actual writing may have been the let down. In such a movie should dracula be over the top, yes indeed, but to be honest the concept of dracula is over the top. I'm a huge vampire storyline fan, I've seen dracula and vampires portrayed all kinds of ways. So the personality of Cage's dracula was pretty spot on in my opinion. Now, the "familiar" is a different story. The actor did a great job with what was given to him, which by the way reminded me of his Warm Bodies character. I think they wanted you to connect with him. I just don't know. I may watch it again maybe pick up on things I might of overlooked or mistook. This still of comedy is not really to my liking but it's never stopped me from enjoying a movie, I simply don't see the humor where others might. Give it a watch, don't avoid this movie that's for sure. Judge for yourself, you never know it just might be your cup of tea.
Avatar: The Way of Water (2022)
Beautifully Done but I truly struggled
Let's start this off on a great note; visually this movie is one huge, spectacular piece of art. I want to live there, its that realistic looking. Moving past that, I was so let down. It took numerous attempts over a 2 day period to finish this movie. I totally get that "backstory", explanation, and description are important to a total story. But there was so much of it that the movie felt like it was dragging the entire first 2 hours. I honestly couldn't imagine sitting in the theater for the length of this movie. I don't want to give anything away because I believe everyone should form their own opinion about a work of art, this movie is that and more.
The story just echoes the original but with some rather oddly inserted additions. These additions come with the tiniest of explanation on how they even occurred. The life of the water people is very similar to that of their own people. The animals are equally impressive. If your looking for action then you will need to wait until the last hour or so, then it does get a bit intense.
Seven Kings Must Die (2023)
A fitting end
I know that from reading some of the reviews that people were let down by the movie.
I struggled with a smooth transition from the series to the movie but once I focused on the movie and it's purpose it did a great job bringing an end to a great story. They kept true to the strength and character of Utred. I didn't like how they ended but after listening to the voice over reader it all made sense. Don't get me wrong at the beginning I did struggle to keep watching. But just stick with it everything comes together and makes sense. This is much like the series in that you think you know how things are going to go but there is always another direction that ends up better than you thought it was going to be. Utred was a brave, truthful, honorable, and humble man. This was just as true in this movie as it was in the series. You owe it to yourself, if a fan of the series, to watch this movie. You get closure and explanation.
Peter Pan & Wendy (2023)
Disappointing
So I just love the story of Peter Pan and most the adaptations and "add-ons" so of course I was looking forward to this. I was disappointed to say the least. The Peter Pan was not a very likable character and the young adult seemed as though he was just repeating lines, no heart. The character Wendy seemed to be the primary focus of the movie and the actress did a good job giving so much strength and courage to Wendy. I love Jude Law, he is a fabulous actor but with this script, direction, production, he was not a good Captain Hook at all. I gave it a 5 star rating because of Wendy she was the glue that made it bearable.
The Menu (2022)
It wasn't what I was expecting
So no spoilers just straight up opinion. I liked the movie and would probably watch it again. From the trailers I was expecting something more. It started out great, a little strange, something was off, but then they throw a slam bam thank you ma'am and it loses its fizzle. I want to say we'll written but yet it wasn't, completely. The actors were great, the characters a bit over the top pretentious. I've always been interested in these tasting meals, the science, the creativity, the flavors. It's suppose to be an experience, is my understanding. I like the fact that the focus was on the characters, not the food, not the location, it is about the people.
Wednesday (2022)
Not as bad as people say
So I wasn't going to write a review on this show but after reading some of the other review I thought I'd share my opinion. I'm a big fan of the old school Addams, you know the black and white version. I have enjoyed the more recent movies as well. But to try and compare any of these the very original show is a bit ridiculous. Now with that being said, Jenna Ortega did an amazing job as Wednesday, I don't care what anyone says. Now the the actors selected to play the rest of Addams are trash. They do not mesh at all, no harmony, and Catherine Zeta-Jones looks like she being approached by a disease everytime Luis Guzman gets in close. There is NO romance there. If there is no bond between Gomez & Morticia then the family falls apart. I see this as a different view of Wednesday's life because in this series she is a teenager, she's not a little girl, she is unapologetically herself. She is weird, out of place, and just all out oddball. But what teen isn't. The character is still Wednesday Addams but older. The show is about her and her peers. How they interact and how the other misfits treat her. I do think they drug it out where they could've probably wrapped it up in 6 maybe 7 episodes. But don't compare it to the Addams family movies, or even the original. Watch it knowing Wednesday isn't a little girl anymore and now she navigates the normies and the world.
Interview with the Vampire (2022)
Eh, it's ok
So I was not going to write anything but thought about it and changed my mind. I am not happy with how much they have altered the actual story. It has made it challenging to watch.
If you look at it as something original, an idea or concept stolen from Anne Rice's book then you can approach it in a different manner. I gave a six rating because you cannot deny the acting, the sets, etc are good.
But as a die hard fan of Anne Rice's story this does not fit. So, my advice is to watch it as an individual entity totally separate from what Anne Rice wrote. The title should be something else, it is misleading.
Prey (2022)
It's come back to life
Contrary to some popular beliefs I have enjoyed most of the storyline written for this alien race. Some are hit or miss but interesting and watchable in their own right. But this, this is refreshing. The ultimate hunter of this world, the American Indian tribes was the opponent this time. Not only that but a woman trying to prove her self in a society where roles and duties are defined by gender. I am part Indian and this movie, the acting, they make my heart happy. We also get to see the alien in a weaker state. While still technically more advanced than it's foe, it has vulnerabilities that we don't see in the previous movies. Great movie I think.
The Sandman (2022)
Missed Opportunity
The anticipation of this show was big. I was really expecting more than what it turned out to be. Don't get me wrong I enjoyed the series and if there is a season 2 I will watch that as well. But as another reviewer wrote there is a bit of a lack of continuity. How it changed from one storyline to a new one when the season ended was awkward. While the two seamlessly work together perhaps they should have started out together or woven together in a seamlessly manner not just kinna there.