Full disclosure, I was really excited to see Rebel Moon after watching the trailer. However, watching Zack Snyder's latest creation felt like it continually struggled to find its identity amongst elements that definitely came across as a discount store ripoff version of Rogue One, Crouching Tiger, the original Star Wars, the 1984 version of Dune and creatures from Fantastic Beasts. The secondary action shots, most notably the Harry Potter meets John Wick flying scene looked ridiculous and the poorly acted hodgepodge of a cast led by the wooden performances of Sofia Boutella, Charlie Hunnam, Michiel Huisman had me wondering who might of turned this down before they were hired. Snyder now saying he has a version that's "not suitable for children" as if brief scene involving sexualized leech-like creatures is just another head-shaking moment proving this paired down version isn't suitable either. Do yourself a favor and don't waste your time on this space trash of a movie and go watch the movies it's attempting to be.
Reviews
33 Reviews
Better than Expected
3 December 2023
Based on the reviews, I thought this would be utter depressing trash following the disappointment of Crystal Skulls. I couldn't have been more wrong! Sure a bit towards the end is pretty ridiculous but they actually managed to pull it off (at least in my opinion). Phoebe Waller-Bridge was a wonderful addition to the series who definitely helps push this movie into the realm of "not bad." Sure the realist in me worried about Indy's octogenarian bones could handle all the action, then I just reminded myself that this is a documentary. John Rhys-Davies makes a welcome appearance with his call to " give them hell Indy" to start us on our global journey. Ethann Isidore gives off a Short-Round meets One Piece vibe that is pretty forgettable. It kind of feels like all of these "depressing" reviews are just upset that we all get old...I was 8 watching the first and now I'm 50 and readily admit that it reminded me of my own mortality. But, as someone who has loved this character since I saw Raiders of the Lost Ark, the emotional reunion at the end had me in tears because of the pure nostalgia it utilizes in paying homage to the original.
A Good Person
(2023)
Florence Pugh & Morgan Freeman Shine
12 April 2023
Zach Braff is one of those folks who you can't figure out how they vacillate between "genius writer/director" and "please tell me he just did that commercial because he made bank." Fortunately, this three act movie doesn't end up like a T-Mobile train wreck of a commercial. Pugh once again proves her range playing Allison who in Act I starts off with a wonderful life engaged to Nathan (Chinaza Uche giving a strong performance) before it's all destroyed in 2 seconds leading into Act II where the movie spends the majority of its time. From there Pugh turns it on as Allison self-destructs in the aftermath balanced by the sympathetic performance of Freeman. Molly Shannon and Celeste O'Connor give strong performances in key supporting roles. But it's Florence Pugh and Morgan Freeman (both of whom could read the contents of a cereal box and I would think it's a strong performance) that drive this movie all the way to Act III's ending resolution. Is this movie this year's Oscar bait? It's definitely got a more CODA-like feel in being character driven than Braff's quirky Garden State which he also costarred in; but I think it's yet another performance by Pugh further elevating her as one of the top actors of her generation.
Strange but Amazing
22 October 2022
Seriously one of the strangest movies that I've ever watched and yet it had me in tears by the end of the second act where the meaning of the entire movie is revealed. This movie is like if you took the Matrix, Secret Life of Walter Mitty, and Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon and mixed them all together to create a quirky thought-provoking film that has you cheering for Michelle Yeoh (CTHD) and Ke Huy Quan (of Goonies fame) if each of the multiverses in which they exist. Is it for everyone...probably not. Could have easily seen Awkwafina in Stephanie Hay's role but the latter did a great job as the daughter. But, I won't be surprised to see Yeoh, Quan and Jamie Lee Curtis (in a role so far removed that she is largely unrecognizable) receive Oscar nominations come awards time. Suspend your disbelief before watching and then sit back and enjoy the ride.
Fresh Take on Period Dramas
12 September 2022
Loved this first episode! Much is expected of and lived up to by Samantha Morton in the title role of the Catherine De' Medici (the Serpent Queen)...but, it's Liv Hall as the younger Catherine (recalled by the older to a servant) who steals the show. Hall's breaking of the fourth wall adds levity in her recognizing the absurdity of her life and what Catherine had to endure, making her a more sympathetic figure. At times reminiscent of the style of Sofia Coppola's Marie Antoinette...but, The Serpent Queen doesn't make the mistake of taking too much historical licensure (anyone remember those Chuck Taylor's?) and leaves modernity to finale credits that include the use of Patti Smith for the show's soundtrack.
A League of Their Own
(2022)
Batter Up!!!
16 August 2022
I loved the original movie...but, let's face it, it was made during a time where lesbian storylines weren't popularly accepted by mainstream Hollywood. That being said, I also love this show! The addition of Max's storyline tells a side ignored in the original of the real barrier put up prohibiting African-American players from the AAGPBL. Abbi Jacobsen did a brilliant job as co-creator with Will Graham and in taking over for Gina Davis in leading the Peaches behind the plate. With the additional time provided by this being a series, the lineup of the Peaches has increased character development. Having studied the history of women's baseball, the backstory makes this feel more realistic to the lives of the real players.
The Last Bus
(2021)
Ignore the Critics
6 August 2022
Make sure to watch into the credits. Still crying over Timothy Spall's performance in this one! Only complaint is that I wish it were longer as some of the transitions and scenes with interactions feel a bit short at times.
Herself
(2020)
Uncomfortable but Beautiful
21 July 2022
It's a brilliant little film with a huge heart. Though it starts in the darkness of domestic abuse, the main character begins to rise through determination and friendship where it is least expected. Fantastic cast, especially Clare Dunne who wrote it and plays the main character Sandra. She's joined by Molly McCann and Ruby Rose O'Hara as her daughters and Harriet Walter as the her guardian Angel of sorts. Strongly recommend you give this a go!
CODA
(2021)
The rise of Emilia Jones
4 March 2022
Really beautiful film that had me in tears at the end. Exceptional performances from the four lead actors Emilia Jones, Troy Kotsur, Marlee Matlin and Daniel Durant! Jones does her own singing with a rich melodic tone that draws you in. Seriously think the Academy should have given her a nod for best actress in her heart wrenching performance dealing with the pressure of being the only hearing meme we her family which was thought was stronger than Kristen Stewart and Nicole Kidman's nominated performances.
The play within the play
22 February 2022
Would Lexi's play ever be allowed to be produced in any high school? No way in hell...but, this is Euphoria where the line between reality is often blurred in Rue's drug-induced haze! Absolutely brilliant episode that finally gives Maude Apatow's Lexi to literally step out from behind the curtain that is her life and take center stage for the entire episode. Of course it doesn't take a clairvoyant to figure out that this is going to set us up for whatever heartbreak the season finale has in store for us.
Spencer
(2021)
Kristen Stewart disappears into the role
30 January 2022
It opens stating that it's "a fable from a true tragedy." Though I'm certain that many who watch this will ignore that disclaimer. It gets the clothes right and then delves into a series of cringy over-top Oscar-bait moments led by characters who didn't exist in her real life. Yes, I understand the definition of a "fable" and this movie is all over the place in its inability to distinguish fable versus factual. Not that they'd watch it, but I feel bad for William and Harry in the mostly incoherent portrayal of their mother.
The Starling
(2021)
Just ignore the critics
26 September 2021
It's a sad, quirky movie but Melissa McCarthy, Chris O'Dowd and Kevin Kline all deliver strong dramatic performances that make it worth watching despite what the critics say. Would have rated it a higher but scenes involving Timothy Oliphant felt really unnecessary and brought down my score a bit. Beautiful soundtrack choices with Brandi Carlile, Nate Ruess and the Lumineers all providing original songs.
Scorsese Homage Falls Flat
20 September 2021
Yes, I get the homage to Scorsese and maybe it's that I apparently don't share the same fascination with Coach Beard that all of the folks giving this episode a 10 appear to have...but, this one just felt like it took away from the show's overall storyline. I just think Coach Beard was better as a mystery instead of the nonsense that happened in this episode. Personally, I thought this was the weakest episode in two seasons...normally I'm laughing hysterically or moved to tears and wish the episodes were longer...this one felt too long 5 minutes in. I just kept wishing they were back on the pitch or focused on any character but Beard.
Cinderella
(I) (2021)
Ignore the Negative Nonsense
10 September 2021
Willing to bet the trolls writing negative reviews didn't bother watching this and are just pitching a fit over the inclusion of the divine Billy Porter! They are probably also unaware that there are movie versions of the Cinderella story dating back to 1899. This one plays up the camp along the lines of the recent Schmigadoon!, Into the Woods and The 1982 Kristy McNichol/Christopher Atkins Pirate Movie which I loved as a kid. The dark humor is hilarious, the Camila Cabello penned song "Million to One" is absolutely breathtaking to listen to and the covers on the soundtrack with supporting cast including Idina Menzel and Billy Porter (who literally shines in this role) are great! Really enjoyed this more than many of the other versions...if you're offended at every level of diversity, feel free to switch over to the formulaic schmaltz served up greeting card channels.
Woman in Gold
(2015)
Ignore the critics
22 August 2021
While he is largely known as a comic actor, Ryan Reynolds again shows he can deliver a dramatic performance. Helen Mirren is a force as Maria Altmann who fought the Austrian government for the family's Klimt paintings that were taken by the Nazis. Deserves much better than a critic rating in the 50s!
Still trying to figure it out
3 April 2021
Warning: Spoilers
Based on first 3 episodes, not sure how I really feel about this series. At least with WandaVision, even with the confusion, it was still enjoyable and really picked up steam with 4th episode. The plot addressing the issues of the blip has potential but the addition of new Captain America (which I blame on poor writing and acting) takes away from main partnership. Love seeing Sharon Carter's return but how come everyone got a pardon but her and nobody seems to have noticed enough to address that since Civil War? Pretty sure there's more profanity in first three episodes than there was in all of MCU movies which somewhat takes away from it all. Really hoping it finds its focus gets, but right now it's really disappointing and all over the place.
WandaVision
(2021)
Brilliant
13 March 2021
The attention to detail in the episodes that pay homage to shows from the different decades is top notch (be sure and watch Avengers Assembled: The Making of WandaVision). Heading a top notch MCU cast are Elizabeth Olsen, Paul Bettany, Kay Dennings, & Randall Park joined by MCU newcomer Teyonah Parris (who will be seen in Captain Marvel 2) and scene stealers Kathryn Hahn and Debra Jo Rupp. The show provides a mixture of emotions that had me in tears during the final episode. Had my doubts when I first heard they were making it, but this show was absolutely brilliant and have me looking forward to more MCU limited run series! Wouldn't be surprised to see Olsen, Bettany and Hahn nominated for an Emmy.
Derry Girls
(2018–2022)
An Irish Gem
14 February 2021
As a 90s kid, I was immediately sucked into this quick witted comedy set within the context of Northern Ireland in the 1990s. Hilariously absurd in so many ways but at the center of it is the friendship of the 5 main characters played by Saoirse-Monica Jackson, Louisa Harland, Nicola Coughlan, Jamie-Lee O'Donnell &
Dylan Llewellyn. Strong supporting cast with Siobhán McSweeney as Sister Michael stealing every scene she's in. Despite the over the top humor, the season 2 finale is so heartwarming.
Wonder Woman 1984
(2020)
Gorgeous But a Hot Mess of a Script
25 December 2020
Patty Jenkins' first turn with Wonder Woman was absolutely brilliant, the story in this one was a hot mess. The opening sequence on Themyscira was the most visually stunning portion of the film but largely goes downhill from there. Don't get me wrong, I had my doubts about the 1984 setting, Steve Trevor's return, and the casting of Kristen Wiig as Barbara Minerva/Cheetah when I first read about this movie...BUT I will admit that I definitely wrong about the latter and "I wish" (you'll get that reference after watching it) Jenkins had chosen to focus more on Wiig's character development and storyline instead of where she took it. Honestly, the explanation for the return of Steve Trevor was plausible within the storyline but he feels more intrusive as a character instead of necessary to anything in this story (yes, I know why they say he is but felt "meh" towards his entire appearance)...still all of my 3 initial apprehensions worked. However, it's the inclusion of the plot line focusing on Maxwell Lord that sucks this movie down into a chaotic abyss from which it doesn't return even with a nice little cameo at the end that I won't spoil it for you. I get he's supposed to cause chaos but IMO his character just doesn't work. Would I recommend this film? Ummm Gal Gadot is the living embodiment of Wonder Woman and let's face it, if Patty Jenkins wants to write a script of her grocery shopping at Publix for 2 hours, I'm there!
Anna and the Apocalypse
(2017)
Christmas High School Musical meets Shaun of the Dead
22 December 2020
Such an underrated movie! Don't get me wrong I hated High School Musical and typically hate zombie movies...but I absolutely love this one! No one does the "oblivious to the zombie apocalypse" genre of film better than the Brits and this one is just clever from start to finish with one over the top musical number after another. Ella Hunt is great as Anna and leads a fantastic cast supported by most notably by Sarah Swire (Steph), Malcolm Cumming (John the best friend who we all wish gets together with Anna), Christopher Leveaux (Chris) and Marli Siu (Lisa). Favorite musical numbers were Turning My Life Around (background action makes it even better), Hollywood Ending, Break Away and Human Voice (which serves as strong social commentary on the detachment caused by increasing use of technology). Quickly added to my must watch Christmas movies since it first came out. Definitely more than a few emotional moments involving the main characters but, if you like musicals, teen angst, and goofy zombie movies...give it a whirl!
Happiest Season
(2020)
Really Wanted to Like This...
26 November 2020
Warning: Spoilers
Such disappointed by this movie and wanted to love it because of the lack of representation of holiday films that aren't heteronormative schlock...but, the lack of chemistry between Mackenzie Davis's Harper and Kristen Stewart's Abby and the unbelievably dysfunctional family at the center of it was too much. Harper's treatment of Abby had me rooting for the latter to run away with Aubrey Plaza's Riley which would have made this a much better movie. Dan Levy's coming out speech is one of the few bright spots in this film. I'd suggest skipping this one and rewatching the far better City of Trees if you're looking for a way better LGBT holiday movie.
Hillbilly Elegy
(2020)
Definitely Uncomfortable but Don't Listen to the Critics
25 November 2020
Trying to figure out why the critics' score is so different from the user score and all I can think is because the former is detached from the reality of rural white poverty. Living and teaching in an area similar to where J.D. comes from, I see his struggle of trying to escape poverty through education and the impact of drug abuse on communities on a regular basis. It's easy to dismiss this as "Oscar bait" and it definitely is...but it's also a movie, though really difficult to watch at points, that tells the uncomfortable reality for far too many.
Mulan
(2020)
It's not supposed to be the animated movie!
4 September 2020
Though there will invariably be those who complain that this isn't a shot-by-shot remake of the 90's version, I absolutely loved Disney's live action Mulan! Having been to Western China and New Zealand where the stunning landscapes were filmed, I'm admittedly disappointed that I didn't get to see Niki Caro's vision on IMAX (first world problem of the month). Unlike in the animated classic, every role in this version is played by an actor of Asian with Yifei Liu being cast perfectly in the role of Mulan (it would have been awesome if Ming-Na Wen would have been cast as Mulan's mother). Mandy Walker's cinematography during the fight sequences utilizes a few Crouching Tiger, Flying Princess (yes, I did say PRINCESS haters...so don't at me) elements in the use of red in the costuming is stunning. The score ties the film back to the original with Christina Aguilera returns two decades later to update "Reflections" as well as belting out "Loyal, Brave & True" (I will be shocked if the latter isn't nominated for an Oscar). While it did feel like it lagged in a few scenes, the message it sent is still resoundingly class. Just like its animated predecessor, Mulan provides yet another example of a strong female Disney character for young girls to show them that they don't need to sit around waiting to be rescued by a prince...indeed, it shows that while women are too easily dismissed as weak...when given the opportunity, they can rise to be strong leaders for others to follow and save a nation...a message that children and adults should hear. Those whining about not being animated classic are idiots...the real original story goes back more than 1500 years and didn't involve a magical dragon...and yet, no one whined en masse about Disney ruining the Chinese ballad. Regardless, there's room in my Mulan loving heart for both versions of this movie!
Yes, God, Yes
(2019)
I'm Probably Going to Burn in Hell for Recommending This Movie
31 July 2020
I gave up Catholicism for Lent right about the time this movie takes place, so it was easy to relate to the struggles of Alice on a personal level. Pretty sure anyone raised on a steady diet of guilt and fear of burning in hell for any reason will relate to it. For the majority of the movie, Natalia Dyer plays the complete opposite of her best known character Nancy on Stranger Things. Dyer delivers a heartfelt portrayal of a confused Catholic teen with that is largely delivered through her body language and facial expressions at a religious retreat that is not quite what it proclaims to be. I'm not sure how much those not raised Catholic will appreciate this gem; but, it's definitely an accurate portrayal of the teenage hormonal angst and confusion of being taught sex education by religious leaders who are supposed to be celibate. Give in to the temptation and watch this movie!
Greyhound
(2020)
Half the Cost, Twice the Film of 2019's Midway
10 July 2020
Given the short run time of this movie (91 minutes), the opening sequence with Elisabeth Shue felt disjointed and a waste of her talent. Overall, the lack character development that would have you on the edge of your seat like in Hanks' previous World War II forays (most notably Saving Private Ryan and in Band of Brothers and The Pacific being for which he was executive producer) kept me from being emotionally invested. However, that doesn't mean that Greyhound isn't a film worth watching. Unlike Roland Emmerich's Midway, Aaron Schneider's direction of Apple TV+ first venture into full length film is both visually stunning with much better acting performances. Hanks stars as Ernest Krause and is at his best absolute best in scenes commanding the crew of the USS Keeling. Keeping up with Hanks, Stephen Graham (Snatch) as Charlie Cole delivers a strong performance as Krause's second in command as the Keeling traverses the North Atlantic escorting a convoy against German U-Boats (watch Das Boot movie or series for the other side's perspective). While Emmerich's film was based on true events (taking liberties in a few scenes), Tom Hanks' script based on C.S. Forester's The Good Shepherd feels more like a true story even though it us just "inspired" by true events, especially the ending paired with Blake Neely's score. Even if I didn't get overly invested in any of the characters, Greyhound is far and away better than Midway and worth a watch. If this is any indication, I am looking forward to Apple TV+'s next film.
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