pootc Reviews

Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny (2023)

A worthwhile and emotional sendoff one of cinemas greatest heroes

[9/10 · 6 July 2023]

Forget the naysayers because James Mangold's Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, despite some shortcomings stands as a fitting conclusion to the iconic franchise, paying tribute to the legacy of Indy and the actor who brought him to life.

Harrison Ford is the one and only Indiana Jones and delivers a poignant performance as the aging adventurer who is facing his own mortality in a changing world. Time has not been kind to Dr. Jones but when another powerful artifact, the titular Dial of Destiny falls into the wrong hands and threatens the very course of history out hero is thrust back into another globetrotting adventure against a familiar goose stepping foe.

Dial is action-packed with timely humour an familiar nostalgia beats but it can be somewhat gloomy too. It appropriately acknowledges Indy's advanced age and the ravages of time, exploring deeper themes of loss and regret which I think only serves to humanise the character.

Phoebe Waller-Bridger plays his not so trusty sidekick bringing charm and wit while Mads Mikkelsen steps effortlessly into the role of the cold and ruthless villain who threatens to change the course of history. The stakes are as high as ever and James Mangold who is directing in Steven Spielbergs place had the unenviable task delivering the final Indy adventure with Ford pushing eighty years old and happy to say, he has stuck the landing!

While it's not as charming as the Last Crusade or a masterpiece like Raiders of the Lost Ark it's a whole lot of fun and true to the spirit of the franchise and the character, delivering an emotional farewell to cinemas greatest hero.

Emancipation (2022)

A valiant effort overshadowed

[7/10 · 28 December 2022]

Emancipation is a valiant effort by all involved which has been overshadowed by Will Smith's unfortunate actions at the Academy Awards.

The story is simple. A slave on the run and being hunted while trying to return to his family.

It's a great performance by Will Smith who gets down and dirty in the role with top notch production, especially the cinematography. But the choice to desaturate the picture was questionable. An artistic choice and while I understand the symbolism behind the choice, I found it completely unnecessary. I think it took away from the film. Black and white, terrible times. I get it but I'd love to see this again with some of that colour and detail restored.

Prey (I) (2022)

Worthy

[7/10 · 5 August 2022]

Prey is a worthy addition to the Predator and franchise and it might be the best movie aside from the classic original. In a fresh premise it tells the story of the very first alien, a less developed and more vulnerable hunters trip to earth.

The faceoff between a want to be hunter Naru (Amber Midthunder) who is trying to prove to her tribesman that she belongs in the hunt.

The commanche setting was a great idea, the locations are beautiful and the cinematography is great. The action is good too in parts but suffers from some less than stellar CGI shots and becomes a bit overstylised and unrealistic as it reaches it's climax.

Despite those criticisms Prey is a solid movie and returns the franchise to some form after the the last mistep. I was happy with it.

Top Gun: Maverick (2022)

Top Gun Maverick has serious heart

[10/10 · 26 May 2022]

Top Gun Maverick is a thrilling continuation of the Pete 'Maverick' Mitchell's story and having watched the original Top Gun (1986) the night before and seeing the care that went into the making of this sequel thirty six years later, it's hard not to be impressed with the total package and moved by the stories emotional arc what is an improvement on the first movie.

Tom Cruise was practically a kid when he made the first Top Gun and now has well-earned reputation of taking things to another level and this film more than continues that tradition.

While it may not be apparent at beginning of this sequel but Maverick has indeed grown up and there is more to the love story with Jennifer Connelly's character this time around than a steamy schoolboy crush. There is history and the baggage that comes along with it as adults which is also mirrored in his combative relationship with Goose's son, Rooster played by Miles Teller.

The aerial cinematography and the action scenes are astounding, excellent, breathtaking but best of all - they're authentic! With little use of computer generated imagery, these scenes were all shot practically in camera at Tom Cruise's behest which makes it even more impressive feat.

The cast while mirroring the first movies fighter pilot crew in many ways were all likeable from Phoenix, Bob, Hangman and Rooster and the soundtrack while heavy on nostalgia subtlety introduced the riff of Lady Gaga's Hold My Hand which perfectly encapsulated it's more emotive moments.

Top Gun Maverick has serious heart; it's a love letter to aviation, perfect escapism and excellent sequel and a true contender for movie of the year.

Eraser: Reborn (2022)

Wow Eraser Reborn's alright

[6/10 · 16 May 2022]

A fan of the original big-budget Eraser with Schwarzenegger I watched this expecting to last ten minutes before turning it off. I expecting nothing at all but was pleasantly surprised with it.

Aside from some dodgy computer generated effects toward the end that should never have made the final cut and some side comic-relief characters I didn't care for, this was a well put together little action movie.

The scenes are shot well, there' some decent character development, the main characters are likable and overall it was pretty entertaining. Not sure about how big the budget was but I am assuming it wasn't huge. Good effort!

The Batman (2022)

Dark, gritty and great

[9/10 · 2 March 2022]

Dark, gritty and great. The Batman has never been better with Robert Pattison vanishes into the role of the caped crusader stalking the rain-soaked streets of Gotham City, a cesspool of crime and corruption while unravelling the grotesque murders of city officials at the hands of the terrifying Riddler.

Tonally bleak and unapologetically violent, director Matt Reeves effectively borrows from classic thrillers such as Se7en to give us a version of the bat never seen before, the detective. At almost three hours the epic story unfolds and introduces an array of gruff, seedy, underworld characters from Carmine Falcone (John Turturro), Catwoman (Zoe Kravitz) and the Penguin who is played by Colin Farrell in an absolutely amazing transformation.

A fully realized vision from characters, costumes, set design and action this is the best version of Batman ever seen onscreen.

Blade Runner: Black Lotus (2021–2022)

Underwhelming

[5/10 · 8 February 2022]

The desire to cater to reach a broader audience by ramping up the action content is understandable but for something as revered as Blade Runner (1982) and Blade Runner 2049 (2017), Black Lotus is a slight misstep - underwhelming in both animation and story.

The story revolves around an amnesiac with a black lotus tattoo trying to find her identity in Los Angeles 2032, after the events of the great anime short Blade Runner: Black Out (2017). As the memories and nightmares come flooding back, a conspiracy unravels leading her on a quest for truth and vengeance.

Cue the samurai sword, spinning flip kicks and over the top action but the trouble is that after the initial few confrontations it all becomes very redundant. Black Lotus is far too reliant on its action and the story suffers because of it. It's predictable too and an entire episode of the thirteen was wasted recapping what was relatively straight forward story.

The animation is hit and miss affair and while the world looks great (environment, backgrounds, lighting and vehicles) the character renders lack detail and often look like an old videogame. Considering the quality of Black Out, Black Lotus just does not have it.

The Requin (2022)

Very bad

[1/10 · 29 January 2022]

It was clear from the beginning that the filmmakers didn't have the budget to make this movie which probably read decently on paper.

The special effects and cinematography are some of the worst I have seen in a long time. The constant cutting between visual effects and obvious stock footage is nauseating... and then there's the "acting" by the two leads which was atrocious.

There are so many things that just don't work here on a basic level. The movie is a total and utter disaster. The only thing keeping me from turning it off was my curiosity as to how bad can this really get.

The answer: Very.

Drive (I) (2011)

Destined to become a cult-classic

[10/10 · 5 January 2022]

Based on the novel by John Sallis, Ryan Goslings plays a stuntman by day and a getaway driver by night in Director Nicholas Winding Refn's artsy neo-noir thriller. Oozing style, complex characters, visceral action and an amazing soundtrack, 'Drive' is not your average action fare at the movies.

Rather it's a menacing, slow burn which relishes in its love story between Gosling and Carey Mulligan whose chemistry simmers on screen - but it's the films ability to explode into sudden and shocking violence when the stakes are raised that elevates this thriller into a different beast entirely.

With a great supporting cast of Bryan Cranston, Ron Perlman, Oscar Isaac and Albert Brooks, 'Drive' is an underrated gem and a modern-day masterpiece destined to become a cult-classic.

Ghostbusters: Afterlife (2021)

A fun, nostalgic trip down memory lane

[8/10 · 31 December 2021]

A fun, nostalgic trip down memory lane and love letter the original beloved Ghostbuster movies. Jason Reitman got the assignment and obviously took great care in crafting a script that pays homage. The casting was great, especially the kids and the story was different to what came before.

When a single mom and her two kids arrive in a small town, they begin to discover their connection to the original Ghostbusters and the secret legacy their grandfather left behind.

A worthy entry to the franchise with some welcome surprises along the way.

Baby Driver (2017)

A feel-good, pop version of Drive

[6/10 · 30 December 2021]

The comparisons are impossible to ignore considering the obvious similarities. Edgar Wright's "Baby Driver" is essentially a feel-good, pop version of Nicholas Winding Refn's visceral hit "Drive". Boasting a great soundtrack, action scenes and cast - but none of the grit or depth.

The characters are quite cartoonish and the cornball love story falls short fast. The cast are enthusiastic and give it their all but this movie certainly isn't high art. For action buffs, the car chases are clever and extremely well-choreographed and the action scenes are sure to thrill.

Anton Elgot plays an eccentric getaway driver who wants to break free of the criminal underworld while Kevin Spacey plays his boss and nemesis whom he owes. Lily James is the love interest and the supporting cast consists of John Hamm, Jamie Foxx, Jon Bernthal, Eiza González.

6/10.

The Many Saints of Newark (2021)

A solid and befitting prequel to 'The Sopranos'

[8/10 · 23 October 2021]

The Many Saints of Newark is a solid and befitting prequel to 'The Soprano's' which tells the story of the oft-mentioned but never seen figure Dickie Moltisanti. Nobody knows The Soprano's world like David Chase who wrote this film too but with an average movie runtime of only two hours, it was never going to reach the epic depths of the beloved television series as far as characters are concerned.

For all the critics of Many Saints, Soprano's was never a gangster series but a family drama with gangsters. Memorable characters and brutal hits are its hallmarks, but it was never an action series and sticks true to the formula, focusing on the characters against the backdrop of a race riot and a gang war.

The characters Dickie Moltisanti, Johnny Soprano, Livia Soprano, Uncle Junior, Paulie, Silvio and Pussy are all here, albeit younger. Tony Soprano is back too and in the latter stages of the film is played by the late James Gandolfini's son, Michael. An inspired casting choice which works greatly as a tribute to his late father, whose legacy lives on as one of the vilest but beloved characters of all-time.

As an outsider who has not seen the show I can totally understand the reluctance to hail this as a great standalone movie but if you did watch the show, enjoyed its characters and lore but didn't appreciate the details in Davis Chase's trip down memory lane ( not to mention and brilliance of the ending), you probably never really understood what 'The Soprano's' was actually about - or it's time for a re-watch.

Your mother's $#%*!

The Last Dance (2020)

A stunning achievement and a trip down memory lane

[10/10 · 8 August 2021]

As a twelve year old boy I was introduced to a prime Scottie Pippen driving baseline and dunking it over the Milwaukee Bucks for the win. From that moment on I religiously followed the Chicago Bulls who were struggling through the 1994-95 season. Before long the rumors of Michael Jordan's return became a reality. "I'm back", he said - and the rest was history.

Director Jason Hehir's "The Last Dance" chronicles the Chicago Bulls dynasty and their six championships in eight years - '91,'92,'93,'96,'97,'98. Coached by Phil Jackson, they were the definitive team of the nineties who helped globalize basketball through the popularity of Michael Jordan - whose athleticism, marketability and indomitable drive to be the best was legendary.

Jordan's nightly highlight reels and one-man shows ignited the popularity of the league and a lowly franchise looking for a winner. The Chicago Bulls would eventually become fringe contenders with the development of Jordan's "greatest teammate", Scottie Pippen but true success would not come without its growing pains. Years of crushing defeats at the hands of the Detroit Pistons - who grounded the Bulls with their brute physicality and intimidation had the team at a crossroads. In 1990-91 Chicago would perfect their chemistry through their "triangle offence" and sweep the Detroit on route to their first Championship, defeating Magic Johnson's Los Angeles Lakers. "Seven year struggle" Jordan weeps as he clutches the Larry O'Brien championship trophy - and this was only the beginning.

The Last Dance weaves previously unreleased footage from the '98 season" into a bookending timeline format and brings Jordan, the man into sharper focus which isn't always complimentary. With his win-at-all-costs under the microscope, an emotional Jordan defends his mentality of pushing his teammates by any means necessary at the cost of being perceived as a nice guy. "Winning has a price", he says visibly upset and while we can argue with the method, there is no arguing the results.

As the timelines converge, the drama surrounding the teams last season intensifies. The management of egos, bitter contract disputes and the most detrimental - the unprofessional jealousy with General Manager Jerry Krause who wanted to break up the team. It's a miracle in itself that the oldest team in the league persevered through the off court drama let alone the competition on the court.

As a Bulls fan there are some omissions, and some additions/ subtractions that I personally would have liked to see. Luc Longley is not interviewed and Toni Kukoc's contributions in the '98 Eastern Conference Finals are forgotten. Classic footage of Pippen's Detroit migraine game is missing which shows the referee dragging what seems like a concussed Pippen off the floor by the arms as play continues speaking volumes to the toughness of the era. I believe too much time is spent on the '92 Dreamteam and as significant as the event was for basketball, it's been covered in great depth in previous documentaries.

I understand that time is the enemy and in its time The Last Dance paints a gripping story of struggle, loyalty and triumph over ten Emmy-award winning episodes for a younger generation of basketball fans to discover. It's a stunning achievement, deserving of its praise and it's a great trip down memory lane for those who lived it too.

My personal favorite moment which I'd never seen was Coach Phil Jackson telling Jordan affectionately after winning their first championship that he "did it the right way", having bought in and embraced the team around him, giving credence to the adage that it's as much about the journey and what you've overcome as it is the destination.

Space Jam (1996)

A cult classic, right place and right time.

[7/10 · 17 July 2021]

A cult classic, right place and right time.

Basketball legend and global icon Michael Jordan is thrust into the world of Bugs Bunny and the Looney Tunes to defend their freedom in a basketball game against the maniacal Mr. Swackhammer and his team of Monstars who have stolen the talent from NBA Superstars.

That's all plotwise folks, it's no masterpiece and goes for only 87 minutes but it is original, funny and has a fantastic soundtrack.

Michael jordan is no actor but he's very endearing and he's backed up with the comedic talents like Wayne Knight and Bill Murray along with some other great cameos from the NBA landscape.

"Spacejam" is a good time for families and basketball fans alike.

Space Jam: A New Legacy (2021)

A bombastic mess with great animation

[3/10 · 15 July 2021]

Computer animation and special effects sure have come a long way since '96 because this movie looks fantastic. Unfortunately that's all folks (for the positives) because this '21 sequel is a bombastic mess, void of anything new and aside from the "server-verse" angle, it's not good.

The original was never a masterpiece but it was just that - "original". The six writers decided not to actually write a movie and instead just copy "Ready Player One" by scouring and unloading the entire Warner Bros intellectual property catalogue on the audience to overload the senses and mask how unoriginal, unnecessary and contrived this all is.

Lebron James and the cast put in a solid effort with what they've got to work with, especially Don Cheadle as the villain.

The trouble with "A New Legacy" is that there isn't a story to warrant a sequel, let alone the whopping 115 minute runtime. The original was a swift 87 minutes which served as a celebration of Michael Jordan's return to basketball at the height of his popularity - it was lightning in a bottle!

Kids and basketball fans who love LeBron James will surely like this movie. As previously said it looks great. It does hit the funny bone more than once, it has a soundtrack too and for some people that might be enough to call this a good time. If this were original and the first one I'd be more flexible in my rating but it's not. I've seen this movie before - it was better the first time.

Bill Murray, you the real MVP!

3/10.

Those Who Wish Me Dead (2021)

"Ok"

[6/10 · 14 May 2021]

The premise of this movie coupled with an exciting trailer and Taylor Sheridan (Sicario, Wind River, Yellowstone) directing made me want to see this. The marketing department deserves the credit because they got me to the cinema.

While it has it's moments action wise, it's not great or memorable at all. The fire and special effects are excellent as you'd expect but some of the casting didn't work for me. Jolie was not believable in the role and the assassin's sent to dispose of the boy weren't particularly formidable. The boy was good though conveying emotions.

What bugs me about this is that we're introduced to what appears to be the top villain, somebody who actually is formidable in one scene but it all amounts to nothing because it never comes back into play.

I just thought as with most Taylor Sheridan projects there'd be more to it. As far as an action thriller goes it's "ok". Watchable. If you're a fan of Sheridan you'll be dissapointed because it's his weakest work.

Live Free or Die Hard (2007)

Passable action but not Die Hard

[6/10 · 30 October 2020]

Die Hard 4.0 sees supposed "everyman" John McClane (Bruce Willis) in the wrong place at the wrong time once more. This time sucked into the plot of a nationwide cyber attack.

Building, airport, city and now a country. Die Hard gets bigger in scope with every new entry into this blockbuster franchise. Unfortunately John McClanes everyman charm is completely lost here as he assumes the role of superhero in Die Hard 4.0 which is a soft entry compared to the previous three movies, hence the PG13 rating.

It's got the set pieces and action to please but it completely jumps the shark with it all and especially John McClane who is invincible here. His New Jersey swagger, grit and charisma is gone. He's too cool, never vulnerable and this seems to be Bruce Willis being Bruce Willis.

The supporting cast is good but there is clearly something missing. It's not detrimental to the movie if you're an action fan because there is plenty to go round but make no mistake, this is not Die Hard.

Perry Mason (2020–2023)

Gritty and hardboiled. Quality television!

[9/10 · 7 July 2020]

I've never read so many crybaby reviews. Its not like the original... and that's great!

The plots a compelling, slow burn murder mystery which seems to get deeper and deeper by the episode. It's gritty and hardboiled like Chinatown.

The performances and sets are fantastic. This is quality television with Matthew Rhys in the titular role as Perry Mason.

Not the cleancut, gentlemen from the original series but a worn down shell of a man still haunted by the great war.

Da 5 Bloods (2020)

Some good, some bad, nothing great...

[6/10 · 16 June 2020]

I was disappointed more so when I read a review comparing this to Apocalypse Now saying how great it was. It's nowhere near that level so maybe the disappointment is of my own making because I had high expectations going into this.

Unfortunately its an average film with some good, some bad and nothing great. The cast was good but the dialogue was too on the nose. Some real cringe-worthy moments that don't work and some shocking deaths in the battle scenes which worked well.

Overall it's just watchable. Good to kill two hours but far from Spike Lee's best.

The Last Dance (2020)

Fantastic

[10/10 · 7 June 2020]

The Last Dance is a 10-part documentary event chronicling the six-time champion Chicago Bulls led by Michael Jordan in the nineties.

Michael Jordan's rise to stardom in the NBA was instantaneous as he took the league by storm but individual accolades didn't immediately translate to team success and like anybody throughout basketball history, he needed the right supporting cast to compliment him and General Manager Jerry Krause did just that. Insert coach Phil Jackson, rookies Scottie Pippen and Horace Grant and a championship caliber-team had been built, however the "Bad Boy" Detroit Pistons stood in their way and a bitter rivalry ensued.

After two devastating defeats the Chicago Bulls in the post-season, the Bulls vanquished them in 1991 and went on to defeat Magic Johnson and the Los Angeles Lakers in 1991 for their first ever NBA Championship. The Chicago Bulls win two more championships in 1992 and 1993 before the tragic murder of Michael Jordan's father saw him retire from the sport and briefly taking up baseball before returning in 1995. The 1996 season saw the Bulls returned to prominence. The new-look team acquired former "Bad Boy" Dennis Rodman via trade and blitzing the league on route to a then record 72 wins from 82 games and their fourth NBA Championship. The following year came Championship number five against the Utah Jazz.

All was not well though behind the scenes despite the sustained success with in-fighting, egos from players and management as well as bitter contract disputes threatening to tear this great dynasty apart, the 1997/98 season was dubbed "The Last Dance".

A great documentary unleashes a barrage of never before seen footage from that last season, providing insights and interviews from the players and personalities who covered and witnessed this historic run. As a fan my complaints are minimal and left me wanting more. But more supporting cast interviews from Horace Grant and Toni Kukoc who were instrumental in the team's success would have been nice and somewhat less on the 1992 Dream Team because there has already been a documentary covering that.

Nothing's ever perfect though - not even "Air Jordan". He is a savage, cut from a different cloth. His will and competitiveness to win is unrivaled but his unforgiving methods didn't always make him a likable person, even with his teammates. "Winning comes at a cost", he quips fighting back tears in The Last Dance. If anything this documentary only cements his individual greatness and his indelible impact on the game of basketball globally.

The Last Dance is great nostalgia-filled trip down memory lane for those who lived it and serves notice to a new generation of basketball fans who the greatest is - and just how formidable the Chicago Bulls of the nineties were.

What time is it? Game time!

The Last Dance (2020)

Fantastic!

[10/10 · 21 May 2020]

The Last Dance is a 10-part documentary series chronicling the six-time champion, Chicago Bulls led by the incomparable Michael Jordan.

Michael Jordan's rise to stardom in the NBA was instantaneous as he took the league by storm but individual accolades didn't immediately translate to team success and like anybody throughout basketball history, he needed the right supporting cast to compliment him and General Manager Jerry Krause did just that. Insert coach Phil Jackson, rookies Scottie Pippen and Horace Grant and center Bill Cartwright acquired by trade and a championship caliber-team had been built, however the "Bad Boy" Detroit Pistons stood in their way and a bitter rivalry ensued.

After two devastating defeats the Chicago Bulls in the post-season, the Bulls swept them in 1991 and went on to defeat Magic Johnson and the Los Angeles Lakers in 1991 for their first ever NBA Championship. The Chicago Bulls win two more championships in 1992 and 1993, a "three-peat" before the untimely murder of Michael Jordan's father where he retired from the sport, briefly taking up baseball before returning in 1995. The 1996 season saw the Bulls returned to prominence, acquiring former "Bad Boy" Dennis Rodman via trade and blitzing the league on route to a then record 72 wins from 82 games and their fourth NBA Championship. The following year came Championship number five against the Utah Jazz.

All was not well though behind the scenes despite the sustained success with in-fighting, egos from players and management as well as bitter contract disputes threatening to tear this great dynasty apart, the 1997/98 season dubbed "The Last Dance".

A great documentary unleashes a barrage of never before seen footage from that last season, providing insights and interviews from the players and personalities who covered and witnessed this historic run. My complaints are minimal here. More supporting cast interviews from Horace Grant and Toni Kukoc who were instrumental in the team's success would have been nice and less on the 1992 Dream Team because I have seen that documentary. Nothing's ever perfect - not even Michael Jordan.

Michael Jordan is savage, cut from a different cloth. His will and competitiveness to win is unmatched but his methods didn't always make him likable, even with his teammates. "Winning comes at a cost", he quips fighting back tears. If anything, this only cements his greatness and his indelible impact on the game of basketball globally - and reminds a new generation of fans just how formidable and great the Chicago Bulls of the nineties were.

12 Monkeys (1995)

Hypnotic

[10/10 · 21 March 2020]

An outstanding screenplay by David and Janet Peoples comes to life in Terry Gilliam's hypnotic masterwork 12 Monkeys, which was based on a short film a 1962 short film "La Jetée".

12 Monkeys stars Bruce Willis in his greatest performance as time traveler and mental patient, James Cole who claims he has been sent back in time to gather information on a deadly virus which has wiped out the human race in the year 1997.

Along for the ride is Madeline Stowe, his doctor and Brad Pitt before stardom, whose role as an out-of-control mental patient with daddy issues got him a best supporting actor nomination.

12 Monkeys is captivating, once you understand it. A movie which necessitates repeated viewings to appreciate its intricacies. Science Fiction at its best!

Midway (2019)

A cartoon war movie

[4/10 · 15 February 2020]

Forgive me. I made the mistake of watching Midway after watching 1917 and here are my takeaways. 1917 is high art from its camerawork, set design and action. Midway is not. It's a poor depiction of war which plays and looks more like a video game. Complete with over the top computer generated effects and unrealistic characters being superheroes.

The special effects are terrible here, laughable even and the characters are even worse. I could have sworn I was watching a parody. This is a cartoon war movie compared to 1917 void of any emotional weight. Shame because the real story is so compelling.

I am surprised the ratings are as high as they are. This was a big disappointment.

1917 (2019)

One of the best movies of 2019

[8/10 · 14 February 2020]

The cinematography is absolutely amazing with the movie appearing to be one continuous shot while the action is well choreographed and realistic. The movie is never excessive and while it has its fair share of action, it takes its time to not rush the quiet and more human moments amidst the carnage. It is a gritty depiction of war and all its horrors, not for spectacle's sake but to tell the story of two men given a mission to deliver a message. It's a race against time to save 1,600 men from a surprise attack during the World War I.

I found myself immersed in this and felt like I was with the two mains on the battlefield. A fantastic technical achievement in cinematography and one of the best movies of 2019.

Terminator: Dark Fate (2019)

It could have been worse

[6/10 · 10 November 2019]

It could have been worse, a lot worse is not exactly high praise but considering what we've gotten since T2: Judgment Day it's come to that. Dark Fate ignores everything since T2 and Linda Hamilton returns as Sarah Connor which is the best thing about the movie.

Tim Miller directs with Cameron as producer and while there are some good new characters in Grace (Mackenzie Davis), an augmented human from the future and Dani Ramos (Natalia Reyes). Gabriel Luna plays the villainous Rev-9 sent from a new future. As it turns out Sarah's choices in T2 stopped Skynet wiping it from existence only for it to be replaced by something else.

Schwarzenegger is back too but it's Sarah and the new characters that take center stage. Linda Hamilton is the heart of the franchise but not even her return with some strong(ish) female characters can save the movies shortfalls. The story is a familiar formula and that was the idea - to rehash what we liked. But make no mistake... this is no Terminator or Terminator 2 in terms of quality.

The story has a brutal twist - but most brutal for me was that the T-800 is back but this time has a family and runs a drapery business. One would think he would be easily recognized after massacring thirty police officers in the original Terminator or for his actions in T2: Judgment Day but apparently not. Ridiculousness aside, thankfully the movie doesn't delve into Rise of the Machines or Genesy's territory lame and Arnold stops short of catching bullets in his mouth. But it's not long after he's back that the third act degenerates into a computer generated mess.

C-G-E - Computer Generated Everything! It's completely over the top and void of any gravitas. I understand computer effects are necessary but what ever happened to mixing it with practical? What worked about Cameron's classic movies is the action was somewhat grounded and you could believe it was happening. Here characters appear weightless, defying gravity and I am not just talking about the ridiculous scene on the plane!

Overall, this is just more flogging a dead horse. It all starts with the writing. I wish they had aimed higher and dug deeper. Arnold quips he "won't be back" and that's fine because for me and I am sure a lot of others it all ended on that lonely highway with an unknown future rolling toward us.

6 / 10