With 2 of the funniest comedy powerhouse at the time In this movie, I wanted to love it but the truth is, I didn't. The jokes are forced, the writing is just so-so and the characters are cardboard cutouts of themselves. The script has the movie go to countries just for the heck of it and in the middle, you forget what the leads are supposed to be doing. It sounds cliche but this movie is a jumbled mess that wastes the talent of the stars. A great movie and script could have been written for these 2 funny men but this movie wasn't it!
Reviews
17 Reviews
WarGames
(1983)
Close to perfect
12 July 2020
Being fiction this movie takes a Lot of liberties with mid 80's computer technology and the military's treatment of teenagers but those are the only flaws. This classic is tense, compelling, fun, witty and a joy from start to finish. To this day I'll call this Broderick and Sheedy's best work. The supporting cast is needed but they don't overpower the story. The main set is as eye-grabbing as the pirate ship from the Goonies and the few jokes are hilarious. It's a great time movie that will have you wanting to watch it again right away!
The Breakfast Club
(1985)
The "Talky" Hughes movie
12 July 2020
I was in high school when this came out and at the time I adored this movie. However, and this is not a strong criticism, I watch it today and I realize it's not much apart from almost 2 hours of talking. I love the jokes and the characters are outstanding but the "bull session" towards the end goes on way too long. I know that scene is meant to define each character and their stereotypes but Hughes didn't normally rely on so much dialogue to define characters. I also have to admit that your normal high school students don't have that much "depth". Teen angst is one thing but these characters are drawn out to the point of being in a Greek tragedy. It is an 80's Hughes teen classic but the drama in this particular movie tends to weigh it down at times.
The Trouble with Harry
(1955)
Not a Halloween movie but an Autumn movie
12 July 2020
To the people whom dislike this movie, is ask: what type of sense of humor did you expect Hitchcock to have? I won't even call this a black comedy because no jokes were written and other humor isn't meant to be subtle or dark. This is more of an honest character study about how everyday people deal with an unusual event. Above all else, the one thing in this movie that makes it worth watching is the scenery. They may be few but the outdoor shots of Mid Fall Vermont are spectacular and perfectly shot.
The Haunted Mansion
(2003)
Ignore bad reviews
12 July 2020
Don't go in expecting a true horror movie and you'll love it. This movie actually succeeds at capturing the mood of the titular ride. The jokes are subtle but funny, the mansion itself is amazing and Murphy & Stamp deliver memorable performances. It's stunning how much they squeeze into the run-time and the pace is fast & fun. This is a good time popcorn movie so don't look for anything deep or scary. Simply putting it, if you like the ride, you'll find something to enjoy in this movie.
The Arrival
(1996)
Just average
12 July 2020
Warning: Spoilers
You watch this once you may see a medium to average sci-fi movie. But you watch it again, you see nothing but a global warming morality trip disguised as a sci-fi movie. The characters are good, the pacing is okay and the plot isn't bad. But when the real threat is "greenhouse gasses", science replaces fiction then you feel let down.
Great but......
12 July 2020
The action is non stop and well choreographed and the story is compelling. Cruise delivers his normal performance and he really puts his aging body on the line. However, the problem with franchises like this one is that you know the good guys are always going to win. And with this series, the more dire the potential outcome, the more sure you are the white hats will prevail. This doesn't spoil the movie or action scenes but you know the hero is going to prevail on the final page. And the sad part of this one is that the usual supporting cast has less screen time and less to do. I would have loved to see 1 or 2 fewer action scenes if it meant more screen time for The team as a whole.
That '70s Show
(1998–2006)
Fun...... for a while
27 June 2020
Am I the only person who believes that EVERY show should end after 3 seasons? This show started out so funny and the original idea was wonderful. But after season 3 it got weighed down by re-tooled scripts, character swaps and relationship nonsense. In my humble opinion, when 2 of your leads leave the show, have the smarts to end it.
The Hill and the Hole
(2019)
David Lynch it's not
27 June 2020
I won't say it's a waste of your 90 minutes but don't expect Twin Peaks, X-files or Close Encounters. The story has tension and potential but it feels that they wrote out the 1 or 2 explanations that would have made the finale pay off. It sets an eerie mood and each character is weirder than the previous one but there's a plot hole you can't see but you know it's there. It's a fun little indie but don't expect to be satisfied by the ending.
Ferris Bueller's Day Off
(1986)
Movie perfection
27 June 2020
I was in high school when this came out so I appreciated it more than most. Love the plot, love the characters and love the writing. There is no bad part to this movie and even the song & dance scene has you laughing. The only real fault is that you must not keep track of time. That had to be one of the longest school days of all time. I don't know about you but an MLB game would take nearly 80% of my high school day.
Gosford Park
(2001)
Wonderful "whodunnit"
27 June 2020
The ideal era, the perfect mansion and an incredible ensemble cast. Altman follows the classic murder mystery formula: the first half gives everyone a motive then the murder then the second half is the investigation. The murder pits the upstairs elites against the downstairs help and once the body is found, we the audience suspect everyone. One clever twist: it takes 2-3 viewings before you realize you don't hear the elites speaking unless there's a maid or butler in the room (this adds an interesting perspective). It may be a bit long but it's enjoyable from start to finish. May even be worth buying as the more you watch it, the more you enjoy it.
L.A. Story
(1991)
Martin at his Best
27 June 2020
A subtle romance hidden amongst the mysticism of LA and the brilliant comedic talent of Steve Martin. It's charming, part magic and full on funny. It's the classic boy meets girl, loses girl, gets girl story but it takes a funny long way around. Even the serious moments have you laughing and the beauty of period shot LA steal the scenes. It's the prefect watch if you want to laugh and have fun.
The Big Bang
(2010)
LOOKS AMAZING
27 June 2020
It's an obvious modern day Noir detective story and it's done wonderfully! The mood is dark, the few jokes are hilarious and the characters are excellent. It's part real time and part flashbacks and that adds a different twist. Banderas is no Bogart but you get the feel of those 40's lone detective stories. But hats off to the cinematographer, this movie looks beautiful and they obviously put a ton of work into every shot! You could watch this movie with the sound off and still enjoy it.
The Big Empty
(2003)
Great "mood" movie
27 June 2020
It's not X-files and it's not a full blown comedy, it's both. For a small budget movie the cast is up there with the blockbusters. In this age of urban exploring and alien hunters, the adventure of the main character is one I wish we could all take. The movie replaces sets for real locations and it actually makes Baker, CA appear other worldly. Sean Bean is great as the "mysterious stranger" and every other character plays quirk to perfection. It's a short nighttime movie that doesn't force you to think or suspend your disbelief.
Cosmos
(I) (2019)
Don't miss
27 June 2020
Can't say enough good things about this NO BUDGET movie. You'd think a movie with only 3 guys in a car would be boring but it's the exact opposite. There's tension, drama, comedy and more character development than you initially notice. Don't expect little green men or cliched abductions but do expect what will likely be our first encounter with another world. They even toss in a car chase to put you on the edge of your seat.
The Vast of Night
(2019)
Lot of fun
27 June 2020
One of the best movies I've seen in decades. The characters are endearing, the pace is that of the 50's genre sci-fis and just enough is explained and left mysterious. The plot takes place in real time, the camera work is exceptional and the comedy and drama meld nicely. There are a few long "talky" scenes but they don't pull you out the plot or mood. All in all, a wonderful popcorn and escapist flick.
Lay Me Down to Sleep
(II) (2020)
Dark
27 June 2020
Not a bad movie but it's not what you'd call a fast paced thriller. It takes some time to get going then the entire climax of the film is zipped through in maybe 5 minutes. The lead actress does a great job and she must since it's just her for 90% of the movie. It's a moving film but don't expect to feel good or happy when the credits roll. It's worth a watch but don't watch it if you're feeling depressed.
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