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Resident Evil (2022)
A dull and boring let down
Overall I found this a massive let down and difficult to watch. The pacing is painful, the time hopping between past & present tedious and the story quite boring. I thought it ended up being a teen high school drama with annoying characters that literally no one asked for. Fans of the franchise who grew up with the games will feel disappointed the most. The younger demographic will probably be more forgiving being able to resonate with the characters, despite the many clichés.
The story essentially centres around the daughters of one of Albert Wesker's clones. As the series progresses, the developments of the past that resulted in the present are slowly revealed. The problem is, none of it is interesting.
In the first episode, Jade (one of Wesker's daughters) is found by a group who discover she is a survivor of New Raccoon City. They dwell on this amazing find and how unbelievable it is, like something terrible happened in the past similar to the outbreak in the original Raccoon City. Naturally this intrigued me and I was cautiously optimistic. Older Jade seems to be surviving in a post-apocalyptic world and we would no doubt discover how she came to be there. New Raccoon City is where the time hops back to regularly but nothing as drastic as you're made to believe happens at all!
One episode has a long sequence set in the past between Jade and her sister Billie going around their house, finding clues that just really drags on and offers little to the story. It was so dull, boring and at times unbelievably ridiculous.
The zombies I felt were an afterthought in the series as we don't see them very often. Some of the other monsters look pretty good. The lickers, spiders and crocodile look great. But the zombies look terrible when we do see them.
Some of the acting is woeful and I actually found myself laughing at some parts which were meant to be taken seriously. The character Evelyn is so over-dramatic that it is painful to watch at times. Jade and Billie have next to no on screen chemistry. Their young personalities are predictably mirrored but it is only so much rebellious teen character development one can take. This certainly doesn't need all 8 episodes either.
Whilst Lance Reddick was the only person to deliver a good performance, the biggest disappointment for me was Albert Wesker. If you follow the series then you know Wesker as one of the main antagonists. He's a cool, cunning and tenacious character. He's obviously an established antagonist in the games so maybe the thought here was to explore Wesker before this. There is not even a glimmer of the Wesker we know in this series. It feels like such a waste taking a character like that and doing nothing with him.
I will probably watch the second series (if Netflix commission it) in the hope it gets better. But if it's anything as boring as this series, then I don't have high hopes!
Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City (2021)
Faithful adaptation doesn't live up to the hype
As a huge fan of the games, and a fan of the Resident Evil films, I was looking forward to this as it was common knowledge that this would be the first live action faithful adaptation of the games. Unfortunately I was left underwhelmed after watching with a sense of disappointment.
I was excited by the suspenseful opening but once this passes, the film slows down and drags through the first half setting the scene and introducing various characters. Those familiar with the first two games will know what to expect, and credit is definitely due for the environment and setting throughout. The police station as an example is identical to that in Resident Evil 2.
The biggest disappointment to me other than the rushed third act was the characters Leon and Wesker as both are entirely opposite to their characters in the games. I found Leon extremely irritating to watch, particularly when he handles certain firearms for the first time. And waiting to no avail for the antagonist Wesker to arrive was a shame. Claire and Chris Redfield though I thought were well written and some of the action sequences were good, if not looking a little cheap.
Overall I expected more from this but for all the easter eggs and references it is worth a watch.
Hereditary (2018)
Slow paced film takes too long to get going
Horror is my favourite genre and I rarely give in to any hype surrounding films that are supposedly the best yet in their own. This was one I gave in to and I have to admit I was disappointed.
The film takes too long to set the scene, introduce characters and truly grip you. The film only starts to get interesting after an hour or so. Some inconclusive scenes have their answers revealed in subsequent ones through character interactions. This adds to the somewhat mysterious storyline and is designed to keep you focused but I found it to be a bit puzzling at times.
The performances are really good, but as a drama more than anything else
The films climax is hinted at late on in the film but it feels unsatisfying. There are some shocking scenes and interesting sequences leading up to it but the tension wasn't really there.
Overall I felt the film was too long and more shocking than scary.
Premonition (2007)
Not a Premonition...more like a re-living
The main reason this film fails is because in contrast to the film's title, Linda (Sandra Bullock) does not experience a premonition at all. I get what the movie tries to do, but it doesn't really work.
A premonition by definition is "a strong feeling that something unpleasant is about to happen". But we are shown at the very beginning of the movie Linda being told of the unpleasant event that has already happened. She doesn't show any signs of anxiety or uneasiness before being surprised with the news. She does not experience a premonition at all.
The movie, therefore, is essentially a time-hopping countdown to the unpleasant event that we share with Linda.
There are some twists along the way and the performance from Sandra Bullock is good, but without her this movie would be a bore. Jim, Linda's husband (Julian McMahon) delivers a very wooden performance. The on-screen chemistry isn't great and some scenes are a bit painful to watch, as at times they seem a very unnatural couple (there are some reasons maybe for this that are explained in the film, but it is still unconvincing).
As the film progresses towards its climax, you cling to the hope of witnessing anything other than the disappointing ending that you get. Unfortunately, the story's timeline failures soon come to fruition as you are left wondering how the beginning fits in with the end. And with that, the huge continuity flaw makes it all nonsensical.
You are left wondering what was the point in it all, which ultimately makes it feel like Linda is being punished for something. I was punished for hoping the film would end other than how it did.
Something Borrowed (2011)
Good acting ruined by a shockingly shameless storyline
By definition this movie is a romantic comedy as there is romance and comedy in it, however you cannot overlook the absolutely shameless storyline that the 'friends' are embroiled in. The acting is good and the character personalities do come across well as we do learn a lot about the characters, even if the arrogance and shallowness of some characters is at times overbearing. Ultimately though I honestly could not believe what I was watching and how one could even root for any couples like you should do in any romantic comedy. I found it almost criminal at how long the movie took to address the heinous act the story filters around.
The main character is quite likeable but you cannot forgive the acts of betrayal that actually happen. The fact that these scenes are also shown with a romantic soundtrack is just as shocking at trying to justify. The movie in my opinion left it far too late to try to justify any of it. The revealing scenes should have been shown a lot earlier instead of two thirds of the way through, at which point you have already endured cover ups and near misses that do more harm to the likeability of the characters you are supposed to be rooting for. If the revealing scenes had been shown earlier then maybe you would be a bit more accepting of the storyline. This is of course meant as a twist, but it just makes the characters more twisted instead of the story itself.
Overall, you are left wondering what exactly the message is that this film is trying to convey. It is probably trying to express that true love will triumph no matter the consequence. However, the message I saw being expressed was that life is too short so one must do what is wrong, no matter the consequence, to get what you want. Whatever it is, the ideology is sending a dangerously confusing message to any young adult watching the movie.
Coming 2 America (2021)
Nostalgic but not as good as the first film
I really wanted to score this higher than a 6/10 but I just couldn't. Nearly all of the original cast were reunited, which is worthy of a 10/10 on its own. Unfortunately the film is just not funny enough.
There are some nice homages paid to characters from the first film, but the main characters in this just aren't as nostalgic as you want them to be. The film reminisces and it is inevitable that you do too when watching and, whilst you do, you realise how endearing and funny the first film was compared to the recycled jokes in this. The best joke by far can be heard in a barber shop scene.
General Izzi I thought was a good addition and Wesley Snipes came across well as usual as an antagonistic character. Unfortunately I couldn't say the same for Mary Junson and Uncle Reem. The two characters were just irritating and an unwanted distraction.
The plot would have been better without these characters. The inclusion of Eriq La Salle (Darryl), Allison Dean (Patricia) and Samuel L Jackson would have probably made for a far better movie. It is a real shame they couldn't make the scheduling work to get them to reprise their roles as it would have been interesting to see how these characters' lives have fared over the last 30+ years. The plot would have probably been a lot more interesting with Darryl, Patricia and their Soul Glo enterprise involved.
For all the hype and 30+ years in the waiting, the result is a surprisingly dull and disappointingly tame funny-in-parts movie.
The Witcher (2019)
Worth watching, but confusing timeline switching and plot development lets this down
As someone who has never read the books or played the games, I gave in to the hype and binged through the 8 episodes. Overall I'd give it 6/10.
Positives were the cast that brought the story to life excellently, but unfortunately this was let down by the unexplained switching of timelines, inadequate plot development and important plot elements that were needlessly withheld until the final 2 episodes.
I understand that plots twist in any interesting story, but I felt the decision to do this resulted in a story that was longer than necessary. Episodes 1, 7 and 8 directly relate to one another, which is the crux of this story. The rest introduce other characters that are involved in The Witcher's quests and monster hunting thrown in. Jaskier, a welcomed and consistent comic relief offering, being one.
The Witcher is centered around Geralt of Rivea, Ciri, Princess heir to the throne of Cintra and Yennefer of Vengerberg. The cast is perfectly chosen, especially Henry Cavill as Geralt, and the story is excellently told throughout by everyone involved. Unfortunately I felt that both Geralt and Ciri's characters were not developed or explored nearly enough. Apart from being confusingly aware of her importance, Ciri just wanders around with no real further plot development. Geralt's origin and further plot development only occur near the very end which is quite frustrating. Yennefer's character was very well thoughtfully developed throughout. The final episode I felt was anti-climatic as it dwindled on almost pointlessly, the best it could offer were showing different perspectives of what had already occurred and showing you what had been deliberately left out of earlier episodes. Not really a twist, but more a withholding of important dialogue held earlier on in the series for dramatic effect.
Overall the series finishes with a sense that the real story is only just beginning, so hopefully season 2 will delve further in to these characters and really bring them to life.
Endings, Beginnings (2019)
Endings, Beginnings should just End and never have Begun!
The cinematography, improvisations and Jamie Dornan are the best things about this film, but unfortunately they do nothing to save a painfully dull and boring watch.
Most of the scenes are improvised which is what intrigued me. Unfortunately they are unfunny, dull, and lead to nothing. You learn nothing about anybody at all. If you are intrigued by this film because of Jamie Dornan then please, do yourself a favour and avoid this. The film runs for 1 hour 50 minutes but Jamie's screen time overall is approx. 15-20 minutes. His screen presence is the only saving grace from a 1/10 film.
The film follows Daphne after her 4 year relationship break-up at the beginning and (as the film's poster suggests) her entry into a love triangle. Unfortunately the film just drags as nothing much happens and Daphne's depressing persona just adds to the pain of watching. It feels like the intention is for the viewer to feel sorry for Daphne, but as the story progresses you just end up not caring at all. You have been warned!
Dragon: The Bruce Lee Story (1993)
Dragon: The Bruce Lee (99% Fictional) Story
Bruce Lee was born in Hong Kong. He was sent to America. He did work in a Restaurant. He did marry and have children. He did open his own Kung Fu school. He was subject to racial prejudice. He did severely injure his back. He did write a book. He did become a movie star.
All of this did happen. The issue is how these events unfold and are told on the screen; it is pure fiction. Entertaining, yes - very. The acting is excellent. Jason Scott Lee's portrayal of Bruce Lee is excellent. But this is a movie. If you were to retell your life story on the big screen, you'd want it filled with exuberant, exciting scenes that are the opposite of dull and boring, which is probably the reality at the time in some of them. For example, Bruce damaged his back when performing a 'good morning' exercise with a barbell, not when losing a fight against Wong Jack Man, a man that he in reality thrashed within 5 minutes.
The film is an entertaining watch, but don't leave thinking you have witnessed what really happened to Bruce. It is a fictional retelling, nothing more.
Bill & Ted Face the Music (2020)
Not as good as the previous films
As a fan of the franchise I was looking forward to this one. Unfortunately I didn't enjoy it as much as the previous films. It doesn't leave you with an urge to watch it over again like the previous films did.
The first 5 minutes is pure nostalgia and quickly sets the scene for the film. What follows is a regurgitation of the previous films with a few new characters that are in on the ride. You'll probably enjoy it if this is what you wanted out of the film.
I didn't feel the threats to Bill and Ted, or indeed the world, were conveyed very well. Music I felt was lacking as well; this is what made the previous films.
The ending was weak and disappointing, as was the final song. In fact I didn't realise the final song hit until the credits rolled, I had expected a lot more of the song that supposedly saves the world.
It saddens me that this is how the trilogy ends. I'll stick with the first 2 films I think.
I Am the Pretty Thing That Lives in the House (2016)
I Am The Unfortunate Thing To Have Watched This In My House
When you are told the main character's fate at the beginning of a film, you are naturally left thinking there must be more to the film. Unfortunately this isn't the case here.
There are some eerie early scenes where the build up tension is actually good. The director is clearly good at setting such scenes. These are let down however, by the final scare not being scary at all. For instance, a character screaming at the camera with the viewer not being shown what is so terrifying until the moment is gone, feels like a complete waste of a tense build up to it.
The frequent narration throughout the film makes this feel more like a timid ghost story or Gothic poem more than a horror. This may have been intended, along with the ambiguity of much of the film. But there are too many events open to interpretation to satisfy any viewer. To me this was a waste of time. I would avoid this.
Sex Tape (2014)
It started off well, but went downhill fast
The premise of this film is actually a good one. It's just a real shame that the poor writing and sometimes unfunny execution let the film down so much. Cameron Diaz suited the role, but Jason Segel I think did not. Honestly I think if you switched Jason Segel and Jack Black in their respective roles, you would have had a funnier movie!
The film starts off really well. With a quite funny 10 minute intro that many can relate to, it was a great setup to the rest of the film. Unfortunately though, what followed was an evenly paced unfunny movie.
The bits that were supposed to be funny just weren't. I think the writers found the script funnier than it was when writing. The execution is what lets it down. There are some scenes that go on for far too long which were not very funny in the first place, which really drags the film on needlessly.
The fact that Jason Segel and Cameron Diaz both acted together in Bad Teacher, another poor film, I think explains a lot about how (not so) good this movie is
Patch Adams (1998)
I understand the want to tell his story...
.... and despite the many moving moments in the film which at times are very endearing, I found the film to be quite boring. Robin Williams was very funny but also quite sincere in this role - he ultimately performs with the same passion that Patch Adams clearly has with helping others. The finale is quite satisfying and so are Robin's jokes. It is a shame that there was not enough of these moments to keep you entertained
Wounds (2019)
A confusing and annoying mess of a film!
The film's title is deliberately open to interpretation. Unfortunately, so is much of the story.
The movie starts off intriguingly as you are introduced to a host of interesting characters in a fairly progressive scene. Unfortunately, what you will have witnessed is the film's peak after about only 15 minutes. Cue 80 minutes of a confusing, convoluted mess. You are carried along a twisted story whilst trying to understand what is going on for most of it. There are some dark scenes which lead you to a false sense of security due to their terrorising nature. However one cannot be frightened of watching something if one does not know what to be frightened of, or indeed why one should be frightened. It is almost like the movie tries to encapsulate every theme going without developing its own identity. Is it a horror? Is it a thriller? Is it a drama? Everything about this film is open to interpretation, even its theme, it seems.
The thing that shocked me the most about this movie however was the misplaced profanity. It is utterly pointless and adds nothing to the movie. It comes out of nowhere. Dakota Johnson randomly dropping the C-bomb does not hide the fact that she is awful in this film. You don't see a lot of her (in more ways than one, you can thank 50 shades for that) and delivers an (expected) wooden performance. Armie Hammer and Zazie Beetz do deliver good performances, considering the terrible script.
The turning point in the film's story is what lets it down entirely, and is a massive plot hole. The film's antagonists deliberately leave something to be found by their next victim. Now, if you intend on manipulating someone with an object you leave behind, logic would suggest that you would ensure your victim can access whatever it is with ease, in order to become manipulated. The way the film shows how the victim accesses what was left behind is utterly ridiculous and just would not happen in real life without a lot of effort. Which makes you wonder what has happened to other victims, or rather those that couldn't access the object left behind. It is utter nonsense.
What you hope to receive by sticking with the film until the end at least is (as much as can be, considering the circumstances) a satisfying ending. Instead the final scenes do nothing but add to the confusing mess you have already witnessed. You are ultimately left with only two conclusive feelings; confusion and annoyance. Confusion over the entire story and annoyance that you just wasted almost 90 minutes of your life that you will never get back.
My conclusion is that you avoid this at all costs. You have been warned!
Vandal Hearts (1997)
An Absolute Classic
Outstanding. Immersive. Exceptional development. Longevity. These are some of the qualities this game has. This is turn-based strategy at its finest; the pinnacle of all games in the turn-based RPG genre.
The gameplay is outstanding. The story is immersive. The characters are extremely well developed. And the game has unbelievable longevity.
Ash Lambert is the son of a traitor. But he and his companions could be the country's only hope in restoring peace. Every ally and enemy you meet along your journey has a story to tell. Every one of your allies has different qualities and it is up to you how they are developed. There are so many different paths to glory that once you have finished the game, you will most certainly want to play through it again to uncover every secret, understand every aspect of the story, follow a different path to enlightenment, challenge yourself in different ways but most of all, to simply embark on the journey again. It really is a beautifully simple yet epic tale that is eloquently told.
So if you have never played this game before, it is not too late. You definitely do not want to miss this.
Uncut Gems (2019)
An Average Thriller
The opening 20 minutes is full of dialogue. But unlike your average Tarantino movie, this dialogue is loud, fast and above all, utterly pointless. Without subtitles you struggle to keep up with what's going on, who's who, who wants what and who's doing what. It's just a complete mess.
It eventually calms down and we start to learn a bit more about Sandler's character and his life. Unfortunately Sandler's character is not very likeable and you end up not caring about his journey or outcome and are instead gripped by some of the other characters.
There are a few tense moments but it isn't enough to save this ultimate mess of a film. Having endured the film for over 2 hours the ending leaves you feeling quite disappointed and wondering what the point of all of it was.
Contrary to some reports, Sandler's performance is not worthy of an oscar nomination. There will be far better films and performances to grace our screens this year.