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CynicalDriver
Reviews
Ashby (2015)
Unexpected Surprise
I started watching this movie not expecting much, and got something unique for my efforts. While the story seems a little dated, the acting is actually quite good. Emma Roberts and Sara Silverman do excellent jobs in their supporting roles, while Mickey Rourke steals pretty much every scene he is in. It all makes for a pretty good watch.
What this is not is a movie about a spy. This is a movie about a kid (Nat Wolff) who needs a little old-school guidance to grow up, and gets it in spades when he makes himself a part of Ashby's (Rourke) life. This will not be one of those movies that people talk about in 20 years, but it does its job for today, so if you can't figure out what to watch tonight, giver it a shot. You might be surprised.
8/10 - Because the movie has heart, with a hint of attitude, yet doesn't trip over itself with the spy angle like most of these kinds of films would.
Predestination (2014)
Predictable for Me
I appreciate the efforts on the parts of the writers to try something new, and the acting was superb, but... Am I the only one who called the ending within the first few minutes? I can't possibly be. I found myself watching this movie and becoming increasingly disappointed as the story moved forward. Maybe I have a twisted mind, but I was continuously calling out the "twists" before they even happened.
Now, if you are reading this in an effort to try and decide whether you should watch it, ignore me. I say that because most people didn't share my experiences on this. Most people were surprised by the twists, and even I did appreciate watching something new anyway. Check it out, because most people will not look at it the way I did, and then it can be enjoyed.
The Transporter Refueled (2015)
High Adrenaline Expectations, Little Reward
One of the hallmarks of the Transporter series is the driving sequences. While you will experience some decent chases here, there lacks a certain gravitas that the other movies managed to bring to us. It seems as though the writers chose to try and lace more story development into the franchise which, ordinarily, I would support. The problem is they don't succeed in making you really care.
One could argue that Jason Statham is a better "Transporter" and not be completely wrong, but I have never understood why there had to be only one. Surely there are others in the world who do what he does. The thing is, and this is not a hit against Ed Skrein (who did do a fairly good job, despite the ludicrous dialogue) the casting director tried so hard to find the next Statham that we just end up missing him even more. Had they decided to take this in a truly new direction, then perhaps I would have liked it.
The "love" angle just doesn't work, and the "bad guys" are too hapless to be taken seriously as criminal kingpins. The most threatening character was just a chick who barely had any lines at all... Though she, like all the women in this movie, is gorgeous. The "customers" are equally one-dimensional, and feature a back-story that is supposed to make you care, but is such a side-note that you almost forget about it until the end. I did enjoy the Dad character though, and the moments between Ray Stevenson and Ed are the most dynamic.
So... Since the story fails to really make you invested, and the characters are one-dimensional, and the action scenes don't focus on driving... Why are we supposed to watch it? Good question. Unless you simply cannot stay away from driving movies, even if they don't focus on the driving like they should, then check it out; but if you expect this to be a true Transporter flick, then skip it.
5/10 because of Ed and Ray's performances, beautiful women, and at least being willing to try some new things. 5 points lost because of bad writing, poor action sequences, and not enough focus on actual transporting.
In the Name of the King: A Dungeon Siege Tale (2007)
Setting some reminders on this.. Not as bad as the reviews indicate.
The first thing you have to remember when watching a movie is this: Know the genre and it's limitations. This was obviously intended to be sold mostly on "star-power." Statham is arguably "THE" guy for an all out action film today. Liotta is a "Mob Man" who moonlights as a dramatic actor. Lillard's simply a comedy guy... and not a very good one! Reynolds was perhaps the single best cast role in the film, was very "Kingly" despite some scripting problems. Finally, all I can think of when I see Pearlman anymore is.. Hellboy!
That all being said. Was it a 10? Definitely not. Is it worth a rent? I would say yes, if you're looking for an action flick that you don't have to analyze. The acting could have had better direction. I can only assume it was lack of direction, as most of the big actors in this film have turned out some stellar work. I've seen a lot worse come out of film-city recently. Stop comparing it to LOTR and enjoy it for what it is, an action movie based on a video game.
5.6 out of 10 (Had to round it up on the rating system here)
Casting: 4 - Simply too many actors, from too many different backgrounds
Acting: 5 - Could have been worse, could have been better
Cinematography: 7 - Great scenery, brought down by bad direction.
Plot: 5 - I give credit for not remaking another film, but it simply has an overly "written" script.
Costume Design: 7 - The "Krug" were pretty bad, but everything else brings this score up a lot.
Mr. Brooks (2007)
Why this deserves a 9+
I found myself repeatedly (and I do mean repeatedly) scanning by this movie everywhere that I had seen it while shopping for some entertainment. I expected what most people have come to expect from a Costner film; Heartwarming, Endearing, Lovable... You know, the "Chick-Flick."
I had actually started to watch this only because it happened to be what was playing at a friend's house. After sitting through the first 15 minutes of the movie, I found myself compelled to keep watching. Unfortunately, I had to leave, work is still more important. I then proceeded to kick myself for passing it up, I HAD to buy it!!
It was worth the price! Costner's performance is astounding, and spot on with every twist and turn in the plot. You don't find it weird at all that he is playing the type of role this movie requires.. You ask yourself "Why hasn't he done this before?" Kevin is complemented very nicely by William Hurt, who plays another key role. William will shock you with some of the things he does, but you'll actually find yourself loving every minute of it!
Dane Cook was a pleasant surprise as well. Let's face it, his movies aren't the type that would get you reading reviews. He played his role perfectly and I never found myself asking where the punchline was going to be. Cook worked out great for this movie, nobody else could have done that role as well.
Demi... What can I say about Demi? It was written for her, perfect choice, nothing else needs to be said.
This is definitely a "Must See" movie, and you'll be glad you did. I found it very original in nature (which is perhaps the most important thing) and interesting to watch.
Suspense in true form. 9.9/10 (Nothing's perfect, is it?)