I'm a huge movie addict. There are so many good films to see that I rarely watch the same film twice. I've watched this one 4 times. Tense, exciting, exhilirating, utterly fantastic. One of my top 10 films.
Reviews
14 Reviews
The Other Guys
(2010)
First third HILARIOUS, rest of movie tries and fails
13 April 2020
What a strange experience. I was laughing out loud in the first minutes and kept laughing during the first thirty or forty minutes -- a rarity in a comedy film for me. The characters are great, the comedy superb, I was thrilled to be watching this gem.
And then it sort of died. It was like the writers ran out of good jokes and the movie felt uncomfortable, stale, and tiresome. Very very strange.
You want some great laughs to make you feel really good? Watch the first part of this movie! When it stops being funny, stop the film and imagine it will end the way you think it will and be satisfied with that.
First part of film: 9/10. Second part of film: 3/10.
And then it sort of died. It was like the writers ran out of good jokes and the movie felt uncomfortable, stale, and tiresome. Very very strange.
You want some great laughs to make you feel really good? Watch the first part of this movie! When it stops being funny, stop the film and imagine it will end the way you think it will and be satisfied with that.
First part of film: 9/10. Second part of film: 3/10.
The Sixth Sense
(1999)
One of my favorite films
17 February 2020
Just great. Amazing storytelling, very compelling. Yes, it will give you chills through the whole picture and has a couple very scary moments, but it's not too much, just right actually. This is not a horror film, rather a fascinating and wonderful story that will leave you breathless and very satisfied.
This is one of the few movies that I think about again and again, year after year. I only wish there were a sequel, because I'd love to see what happens with this boy through the rest of his life.
Highest recommendations!
This is one of the few movies that I think about again and again, year after year. I only wish there were a sequel, because I'd love to see what happens with this boy through the rest of his life.
Highest recommendations!
Very satisfying. A film for the fans.
19 December 2019
I was 10 when Star Wars came out, the perfect age. I've seen all the films in the theater, loved 4-7, hated the prequels, loved Rogue One, and I've been very indifferent about the two first films in the current trilogy.
I went to see ep.9 last night at the theater, not expecting much, and ended up applauding at the end and leaving very, very satisfied. Yes, the pace is too fast at the start. Yes, there are some overt attempts to fix up problems in previous films. But it is entirely fantastic the way this film pulls in bits from all the other films and deals up an experience heavy in nostalgia that left me feeling this was FINALLY the sequel I was waiting for.
On top of that, there were some beautiful scenes that were awesome in the true sense of word ... as in awe-inspiring.
When SW first came out I saw it 11 times in the theaters. Tickets were $1.50 back then, but still I haven't returned to the theater to see a movie again in over 30 years. This is one I may very well return to for a second showing, there are so many details I want to catch.
Thank you JJ, you did all right by me.
I went to see ep.9 last night at the theater, not expecting much, and ended up applauding at the end and leaving very, very satisfied. Yes, the pace is too fast at the start. Yes, there are some overt attempts to fix up problems in previous films. But it is entirely fantastic the way this film pulls in bits from all the other films and deals up an experience heavy in nostalgia that left me feeling this was FINALLY the sequel I was waiting for.
On top of that, there were some beautiful scenes that were awesome in the true sense of word ... as in awe-inspiring.
When SW first came out I saw it 11 times in the theaters. Tickets were $1.50 back then, but still I haven't returned to the theater to see a movie again in over 30 years. This is one I may very well return to for a second showing, there are so many details I want to catch.
Thank you JJ, you did all right by me.
Aladdin
(2019)
Ok film, good for Saturday popcorn on the sofa (with or without kids).
10 November 2019
All right, I was expecting this to be bad because of all of the negative reviews. It was actually fairly good, but took getting a little used to.
First of all, live-action remakes of animated classics are generally a bad idea. The animated films were so good because they were animated - the live action movies always end up with so much visual clutter. This was no exception. Expect a loud, cluttered film that will leave you a little tired by the end.
However, some of the action was great. The scene where Aladdin and Jasmine are being chased through the streets is wonderful, with some very satisfying tumbling and wall climbing and a brilliant escape at the end.
I didn't like the actors so much... but here's the strange thing. I started out hating Will Smith as the genie. Wrong voice, wrong look. But I warmed to him throughout the film and by the end I liked his genie very very much. He actually does a good job and I ended up feeling very sympathetic for the character. It just took me a long time to get over that he wasn't Robin Williams.
The songs were fun, with a few twists that felt fresh, such as the false start to "You Never Had a Friend Like Me". I love the choreography in "Make Way for Prince Ali", and they snuck in a new song by princess Jasmine that was all right.
I also thought the surprise ending for the genie delightful, albeit a bit rushed.
All in all, it was an enjoyable film with beautiful effects and enough new material to keep me interested. Entirely good for a Saturday afternoon on the sofa with a bowl of popcorn. Kids optional.
First of all, live-action remakes of animated classics are generally a bad idea. The animated films were so good because they were animated - the live action movies always end up with so much visual clutter. This was no exception. Expect a loud, cluttered film that will leave you a little tired by the end.
However, some of the action was great. The scene where Aladdin and Jasmine are being chased through the streets is wonderful, with some very satisfying tumbling and wall climbing and a brilliant escape at the end.
I didn't like the actors so much... but here's the strange thing. I started out hating Will Smith as the genie. Wrong voice, wrong look. But I warmed to him throughout the film and by the end I liked his genie very very much. He actually does a good job and I ended up feeling very sympathetic for the character. It just took me a long time to get over that he wasn't Robin Williams.
The songs were fun, with a few twists that felt fresh, such as the false start to "You Never Had a Friend Like Me". I love the choreography in "Make Way for Prince Ali", and they snuck in a new song by princess Jasmine that was all right.
I also thought the surprise ending for the genie delightful, albeit a bit rushed.
All in all, it was an enjoyable film with beautiful effects and enough new material to keep me interested. Entirely good for a Saturday afternoon on the sofa with a bowl of popcorn. Kids optional.
Easy Rider
(1969)
Unwatchable film that has not aged well
22 October 2019
I imagine if you saw this film when it first came out then it has a special place in your heart and you still love it for the nostalgia value. I saw this in 2019 for the first time. I was at first gripped by the great music and cinematography in the opening, but the story quickly descends into nonsense.
The first half is ok, not good but ok. The last half is unwatchable. The ending should rate as the WORST ending in film history. It felt like the producers ran out of money and just ending it randomly.
I was exciting to watch this and was expecting something great, but wish I had just skipped it.
The first half is ok, not good but ok. The last half is unwatchable. The ending should rate as the WORST ending in film history. It felt like the producers ran out of money and just ending it randomly.
I was exciting to watch this and was expecting something great, but wish I had just skipped it.
2012
(I) (2009)
Exciting action scenes, but definitely turn off your brain for this film.
22 October 2019
There is so much wrong with this film, but the visuals were really good. Expect your intelligence to be insulted through the entire film, from the moment scientists talk about neutrinos "mutating" to the final scene where the entire command center stops what they're doing to watch on surveillance camera to see if daddy lives or not. In between is a long string of ridiculous action scenes, with cars jumping roads breaking apart (twice), airplanes taking off with runways crumbling behind them (twice), runways that are too short and end at a chasm where the plane must fall down and barely make it up again (twice), a car driving under a bridge in slow fall that nearly scrapes the roof as it barely makes it, plane flying through a small gap between two skyscrapers falling towards each other, and on and on and on and on.
I found by the last half hour I just wanted it to be over. BUT -- wow, the visuals were really good.
I found by the last half hour I just wanted it to be over. BUT -- wow, the visuals were really good.
Happy as Lazzaro
(2018)
If you are just looking for an entertaining film, look elsewhere.
25 June 2019
The critics love this film. Me? I want that two hours of my life back.
An hour into the film, nothing has happened and you have paid so much with your boredom that you feel obligated to watch further. It surely must have some kind of payoff since the critics praise this film, surely it must be worthwhile, surely SOMETHING is going to happen.
It doesn't. There is no payoff. At the end you are searching for something good about this film so you can justify the time spent watching and not feel like you were just swindled. But sometimes, you are just swindled.
Boring, depressing and pointless. Seriously, don't bother with this film.
An hour into the film, nothing has happened and you have paid so much with your boredom that you feel obligated to watch further. It surely must have some kind of payoff since the critics praise this film, surely it must be worthwhile, surely SOMETHING is going to happen.
It doesn't. There is no payoff. At the end you are searching for something good about this film so you can justify the time spent watching and not feel like you were just swindled. But sometimes, you are just swindled.
Boring, depressing and pointless. Seriously, don't bother with this film.
Speed
(1994)
Most ridiculous premise for a film, but it works somehow
17 June 2019
I avoided seeing this film for years because it sounded so stupid. After seeing it can you only wonder: How did they make such a good movie from such a ridiculous premise?
The characters are great, the dialog is fun, the action is perfect. The only bad thing is that entire final scenes should have been cut. It is once again a case of a movie that comes to the point where it could end perfectly, and instead the characters are drawn into 20 extra minutes of unnecessary action.
Despite, a fun film that doesn't require much thinking. A guilty pleasure, perfect for a Friday night with popcorn.
The characters are great, the dialog is fun, the action is perfect. The only bad thing is that entire final scenes should have been cut. It is once again a case of a movie that comes to the point where it could end perfectly, and instead the characters are drawn into 20 extra minutes of unnecessary action.
Despite, a fun film that doesn't require much thinking. A guilty pleasure, perfect for a Friday night with popcorn.
Chain Reaction
(1996)
Just saw it for the second time. A fun thriller, worth the watch.
17 June 2019
Just saw this movie for the second time. Saw it years ago and have been wanting to see it again. I was not disappointed!
This is a tense chase movie that keeps you guessing. Reeves is again a charming and interesting character. The plot has several twists that keep you guessing. While listed as a "sci-fi" I wouldn't call it that, although the plot revolves around an scientific innovation and the struggle between those who want to share it with the world for free and the big dark powers that want the power for themselves.
The only change I would make is in cutting the film a little shorter -- there is a "boss battle" at the end that is unnecessary and serves to drag the film longer than need be. We see this in too many films, and every time I lament that filmmakers think we want complicated here-we-go-again finales instead of wrapping up films in a way that makes sense.
Otherwise, a good film I have enjoyed twice.
This is a tense chase movie that keeps you guessing. Reeves is again a charming and interesting character. The plot has several twists that keep you guessing. While listed as a "sci-fi" I wouldn't call it that, although the plot revolves around an scientific innovation and the struggle between those who want to share it with the world for free and the big dark powers that want the power for themselves.
The only change I would make is in cutting the film a little shorter -- there is a "boss battle" at the end that is unnecessary and serves to drag the film longer than need be. We see this in too many films, and every time I lament that filmmakers think we want complicated here-we-go-again finales instead of wrapping up films in a way that makes sense.
Otherwise, a good film I have enjoyed twice.
Murder Mystery
(2019)
Movie is so fun it makes up for annoying Sandler
17 June 2019
We thought this movie was very clever and very fun. It plays on all the ideas of a class murder mystery novel - a murder in a closed setting with a group of suspects, each a fascinating character with a strong motive to commit the crime. But which one?
There are so many fun murder mystery elements that we couldn't help but marvel at the ingenuity of the storyline. The film had many laugh-out-loud moments, and we were very satisfied and happy with this enjoyable film.
The only downside was Sandler's character, who was so annoying throughout much of the film that I found myself wanting to see him fail. Yes, his character was supposed to be like this but as he played it your just want to see him thrown off the boat and leave the detective work to Aniston. Thankfully, we have her as the other main player, and she gives a wonderful performance with this smart and socially clever character who saves the film.
Great movie when you want something light, fun, funny and clever.
There are so many fun murder mystery elements that we couldn't help but marvel at the ingenuity of the storyline. The film had many laugh-out-loud moments, and we were very satisfied and happy with this enjoyable film.
The only downside was Sandler's character, who was so annoying throughout much of the film that I found myself wanting to see him fail. Yes, his character was supposed to be like this but as he played it your just want to see him thrown off the boat and leave the detective work to Aniston. Thankfully, we have her as the other main player, and she gives a wonderful performance with this smart and socially clever character who saves the film.
Great movie when you want something light, fun, funny and clever.
Funny, quirky film worth seeing. Beware: some gore.
7 March 2019
Last night I searched for "good films on Netflix" and took the first film that came up that I hadn't seen. Watched it knowing little about what it was about... and was not disappointed. Genuinely funny, dark humor. I loved the characters and the acting. Lynsky was very likeable and believable, and Elijah Wood's character was just so amazingly quirky and fun.
I was entranced and entertained for the entire duration of the film, and when it ended I wanted more. There are several scenes that will stick with me for a while, and I find myself today just thinking and thinking about the film... the sign of a good film for me.
The only negative is there is a scene with some uncomfortable gore near the end, which I'm not fond of in a film. Nevertheless, I really enjoyed this offbeat film.
I was entranced and entertained for the entire duration of the film, and when it ended I wanted more. There are several scenes that will stick with me for a while, and I find myself today just thinking and thinking about the film... the sign of a good film for me.
The only negative is there is a scene with some uncomfortable gore near the end, which I'm not fond of in a film. Nevertheless, I really enjoyed this offbeat film.
The Revenant
(I) (2015)
How do I wash this movie out of my brain?
28 January 2016
There is almost nothing good to say about this film. It was painful to watch, slow, no joy or any good feelings, and just plain boring after a while. I cannot understand why it got so many awards. Even the nature scenes which were beautiful were impossible to enjoy because of the feeling of dread hanging over every scene.
The last hour was predictable. I dreaded what was to come, holding out hope that it would not be a long drawn out ending to an exhausting film. Unfortunately, the pain was drawn out. Like a bad dream that would not end.
It is worse than a waste of my money, it ruined my evening and will make me feel awful for days. Avoid this film.
The last hour was predictable. I dreaded what was to come, holding out hope that it would not be a long drawn out ending to an exhausting film. Unfortunately, the pain was drawn out. Like a bad dream that would not end.
It is worse than a waste of my money, it ruined my evening and will make me feel awful for days. Avoid this film.
Speed Racer
(2008)
Maybe the best movie ever
2 August 2014
This is the first time I've cared enough about a movie to post a review. I saw this as the first BluRay film and was blown away. Later, it came on cable and we recorded it on our DVR. My family watched this film 6 times the first week. I've seen it 2 or 3 times since. Each time, I see more and more and love this film more and more.
This movie is sheer cinematic joy. The film work, the effects, the stunning transitions from scene to scene are sheer eye- and brain-candy. The acting is brilliant from each and every character in this film, especially young Spritle.
The film is full of genuine laughs, action and heart-warming drama. This is a film you should see at least twice, with your whole family.
Interesting that this film gets only a mediocre rating on IMDb. Half the reviews are 9-10, and the other half are low. I guess you either get it or you don't. If you go into this film expecting something fun and beautiful with a fantastic deep plot and brilliant acting, you will be one of the 9-10 reviewers!
My only disappointment is that there is not yet a sequel. We want more!
Go Speed Racer, Go!
This movie is sheer cinematic joy. The film work, the effects, the stunning transitions from scene to scene are sheer eye- and brain-candy. The acting is brilliant from each and every character in this film, especially young Spritle.
The film is full of genuine laughs, action and heart-warming drama. This is a film you should see at least twice, with your whole family.
Interesting that this film gets only a mediocre rating on IMDb. Half the reviews are 9-10, and the other half are low. I guess you either get it or you don't. If you go into this film expecting something fun and beautiful with a fantastic deep plot and brilliant acting, you will be one of the 9-10 reviewers!
My only disappointment is that there is not yet a sequel. We want more!
Go Speed Racer, Go!
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