djworkshard Reviews

Pineapple Express (2008)

The Greatest Stoner Action-Comedy !!

[8/10 · 11 August 2008]

Having seen Cheech & Chong's Up In Smoke so many times i can't count, (not to mention other reasons I can't remember...), I must say that this surpasses the stoner classic!! James Franco is excellent as Saul, who I think is the stand-out performance of the movie. Seth Rogen is as funny as always, and proves that he's great at writing and acting and getting better!! The action is a great mix with the comedy that keeps the laugh rolling from beginning to end. This movie isn't for everyone, but is a great ride and a frigging' riot. So many different characters make this movie so enjoyable I had to see it twice before forming my opinion. It was as funny the second time as it was the first, and i was as "influenced" both time as well. This is by far a great summer comedy that I believe will last longer than Harold & Kumar and/or any other stoner comedies, wannabe stoner/explicit comedies that have had too many sequels to mention.Burn one and check it.

The Andromeda Strain (2008)

For a "TV" remake... It wasn't that bad

[6/10 · 3 June 2008]

I had the privilege of recording this onto my DVR, and watched it in one sitting. Keeping in mind that it was made for TV, on a TV budget, it was much better than I expected. Of course there are some cheesy lines, rushed scenes, and weak acting, however, the story for me seemed to overshadow those points. Having never seen the original, and being a fan of Michael Chrichton, the "Andromeda Strain" story was great! It definitely made me think real hard a few times, and contemplate the validity of the scientific findings. Now, I'm no scientist, and am definitely don't have the vast scientific knowledge that Chrichton has conjured up in previous works, but i found a lot of the story to be fascinating. I was also happy with how even though the government was trying to cover it up, they eventually listened to the scientists and were able to work as a team. I found the action to be believable and watchable, and was surprised at how much violence was allowed to be shown on TV. (Good point for me) With every TV movie there is usually rushed sequences, plot holes, confusing scenes, etc. Now, the Andromeda Strains fast taking of the land seemed a bit unbelievable, as well as the "dusting" of the strain to return it to normal. And then everything is "OK" !! (Umm-Yeah) Still worth the Friday or Saturday night viewing if you're looking for that something to watch.

Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (2008)

Not the Indy we always enjoyed... but still Indy

[7/10 · 27 May 2008]

As a fan of Indiana Jones for years, I was ready for an over the top action bonanza brought to you by Steven Spielberg, and I was right. I will say that I thoroughly enjoyed the movie, liked the story, but thought some of the action sequences were quite unbelievable. I must admit I was a bit confused in the beginning as to where the thinly evolving story was headed. Of course Spielberg kept his formula of "Indy" shots,sounds, and sequences. Surprisingly, Shia Labeouf didn't ruin the movie for me like he has with... well... you know. The story may have been too much to conceive and put onto paper, and then filmed, but it was better than National Treasure. The rest of the characters only made the movie more enjoyable as we watch this adventure we've all been waiting for. Yes, some action sequences were crazy ridiculous (sword fights on moving cars, swinging from vines, waterfalls), but I say this to those that criticize the "cheesiness" and CGI; If these movie were made today and not in the 80's, they ALL would have CGI and digital enhancements. That's the beauty of the originals. Spielberg is just giving us a "movie" for us to enjoy Indiana Jones one last time (maybe).

88 Minutes (2007)

Copycat vs Nick Of Time

[6/10 · 14 May 2008]

Sometimes it's just as easy to give a synopsis by telling you what movies it is like. If you've seen "Copycat" (serial killer thriller), and "Nick Of Time" (real time murder thriller), then mash these two movies together, and it makes "88 Minutes".

Considering this movie was filmed about 2 years ago, you know going in there are obvious problems that caused it's delay. I watched this movie waiting for cheesy lines, weak plot points, and inconsistencies, and I have to say it wasn't all that disappointing. It's definitely not Pacino's greatest work, and very well could be close to the bottom.

In this Pacino flick he plays the never wrong, knows all, I'm smarter than you lead which at times takes away from the movie. When the end rolls around and finally plays out, you see him just turn around and walk away as if he knew he was going to save the day, and that it's just another slice of "Dr Jack Graham's" life.

In my opinion Pacino was trying to make this movie the "Godfather" of serial killer movies, and for that it failed. It's still a fun movie to watch and try and determine "who" is going to kill Pacino.

"Tick Tock Dock!"

Harold & Kumar Escape from Guantanamo Bay (2008)

"Mitsubishiwa !!"

[7/10 · 1 May 2008]

First let me say this movie was hilarious. Definitely a stoner movie, and as funny as the first. Actually, it may be funnier. Like most sequels they don't usually top the first one, and in most cases rehash the same old jokes. The story beings hours after their "White Castle" gorging ("Prepare to gorge yourself"),and after mistaking a "bong" for a "bomb", on their way to Amsterdam, Harold & Kumar are sent to Guantanmo Bay, and a chain reaction of foolishness and tomfoolery ensues. Lots of cameo's in this one, so you movie lovers keep an eye out. See if you can spot Freakshow from "White Castle" in a completely reversed role. If you're a fan of the first one, you will absolutely love "Guantanamo Bay." Go Roldy!! Go Kumi!!

Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem (2007)

Alien Vs Predator Fun

[5/10 · 11 January 2008]

As a fan of both Aliens & Predator, I enjoyed this movie. As usual with Hollywood there are story lines and characters that you really don't care about. However, it's all the more fun picking out those who will die first and those who are expendable. I mean with no big name stars, what more do you want? This treatment ends where the first Alien Vs Predator ends and delves into the world of the predators a bit more than previous stories, and has some pretty cool effects for those looking for some mindless action. Aliens! Predators! and a Pred-Alien !! (A hybrid from the end of the first AVP). If you don't have a bargain theater near you, you might want to wait for the DVD.