Prophet797's Reviews

Knight Rider: Knight Rider (2008)

Season 1, Episode 0

5/10

18 February 2008

Warning: Spoilers

As a devoted fan of Knight Rider in the 80s and since I was excited to see it returning. Funny though how NBC and Universal made such a big deal about the return, when 23 years ago they canceled the show because it cost too much to make, despite good ratings (and a crappy last episode) However, this new film really is too much apart from what Knight Rider was. First off the show was about the car, I always saw KITT as the real star. But using the Mustang was a little too much. Nothing against Ford or the Mustang but KITT was a Trans-Am. The least they could of done was use the concept Camaro. I'm sure GM wasn't too thrilled with the new choice seeing as how the show basically sent Trans-Am sales through the roof back in 82.

And the focus wasn't much on the car anyway. The story was too busy with a troubled "hero" and his former love, the latter's father just so happening to have designed KITT (though that strays from the orig. story as well) Plus this KITT should be a little more advanced. He gets damaged when turned off and uses gas? KITT was a more advanced car 25 years ago. Finally while Val Kilmer is a decent actor, he lacks the personality to do voice overs. William Daniels gave KITT a personality that just isn't there anymore.

Other than the car the story and acting was rather flat. And the whole "Las Vegas Montecito" tie in was a little much.

I gave this a 5 of 10 because I'm glad to see one of my favorite shows get a second chance all these years later. Aside from that as a fan I'm not pleased with the new direction.

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Live Free or Die Hard (2007)

9/10

The Franchise Is Still Alive

9 July 2007

To start with, I enjoyed this movie and have even gone twice. I know there was a lot of worry with the PG13 rating. I agree that sure it could have seen benefits in areas with the R rating, but it still held up very well. Besides a reduction in language there is not a lack of action.

I loved the aspect of a character like McClane using his tough old school methods against an enemy that uses computers and technology as a weapon. While the whole country is in an upset over losing technology, McClane just needs a gun and his will.

Nothing will ever be the first Die Hard movie. My thing though is, if you are a fan, you're a fan so something as simple as losing some cussing shouldn't turn you off. This is still John McClane saving the day by any means.

And with the quantity of bad movies coming out these days, I'm still glad there are a few quality movie franchises still around. These new movies may make more money, or get better write ups, but in the end they don't have a 20 year franchise backing them up.

There is still a demand for Die Hard, and Rocky, and Rambo all these years later. I think that says something, regardless of what supposed all knowing critics say about these movies.

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Running Scared (2006)

6/10

A Conflicted Story

3 April 2007

I had wanted to see this in the theater but never got the chance. I recently rented it though.

I was hesitant about seeing Paul Walker who just screams California from his walk, talk, and looks playing an East Coast tough guy. However, while it was not a total surprise he did hold his own pretty well. He seemed to overcome the whole pretty boy image.

What did turn me off though was the conflicts of the story.The premise is a great set up for a film. However this is a case of being too overdeveloped. The story tries to go too many places that it didn't need to go. A great story needs to be stripped down and simple yet impacting. Running Scared just tried to go in too many directions. I realize it isn't meant to be realistic but the story needs to still flow a little better. Sort of a case of having a painting that looks unfinished until you add that next brush stroke and realize it was too much and you should have left it alone.

The other conflict was in dialogue. I am by no means offended by words but the word fu** was used sometimes just to be used. Using it for 3 words of a 5 word sentence is over doing it. There are more creative ways to cuss (I'm from the East Coast I should know) Also while the movie tried so hard to be smart and have smart plot twists that start to excite you, there is a line of weak dialogue that just kills the buildup.

Bottom line. It was entertaining to watch, I would watch it again. However, it is not a very polished film.

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Blood Diamond (2006)

9/10

One Of The Most Impacting Films In Years

11 December 2006

I wanted to see this film because it seemed interesting. I went in looking for entertainment. After I started watching it though I was to put it lightly impressed. The story while simple and based on actual happenings is amazing. Not only does it have depth to it, it grabs your attention and actually brings you into the lives of these characters.

The acting is some of the best I've seen in a long time. I've never really been a DiCaprio fan until lately and this is one of the reasons why. I'm happy to see him mature as an actor and sort of shed his pretty boy image. He truly came across as a great actor here. Though his character uses people for gain you learn to like him. As good as DiCaprio was,Djimon Hounsou stole the entire show. He delivered one of the most moving performances I've seen. The pain and emotion his character shows strikes you and leaves a lasting impression.

Finally while the film does contain some harsh scenes of violence I feel they were needed to tell the story. There is not just violence for shock value, trying to tone down the realities of these African cultures would be doing them a disrespect. You get to realize their struggle and find how small and pointless the problems of America are.

You will not only leave having been entertained with a well developed story but you will also find an appreciation for a beautiful location or more importantly an understanding and harsh realization of the lives these characters are based on.

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Rocky Balboa (2006)

10/10

Just As Good As The First

2 December 2006

I saw this film at a test screening a few months ago. While I am a fan of all the films I think this one is the most on par with the first one. While two thru five were good films they had more to do with Rocky as a public figure and his fame. In this film he is not that distanced from the guy he was in the first, maybe just a little wiser. The film doesn't focus so much on boxing as it does on the actual character of Rocky and the trials he faces having one day been on top of the world and now he leads a simple life and thrives on his memories.

I am a huge Stallone fan but I realize his career has been in a slump lately, but this film would be a perfect resurrection for him. The acting is great and it has some of the best writing I've seen in years. Two very powerful scenes are when Rocky tries to get his license back and probably the best scene of the film is when he confronts his son.

Any Stallone or Rocky fan will love this film. And I'm sure a lot of people who had doubts about this film 30 years later or even Stallone being 60 years old will be very surprised and pleased. And it does not hurt that Sylvester Stallone is in better shape at 60 then half of Hollywood under 30.

I've already seen the movie but I plan to be there opening day to see it again.

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Las Vegas (2003–2008)

Good Show

22 September 2005

This show is pretty good most of the time. It has its bad moments but what show doesn't. I watch every week but the only issue I have is that the show can sometimes be "too Las Vegas" meaning they could tone it down a little when it comes to name dropping places like The Palms and the stereotypes. And then you have the fact that they go for old style Vegas where everyone is well dressed and high class, few people actually look their best in casinos, you'll see more T shirts then suits and fancy dresses on any given day . All of this though fits in well for a TV show because actual casinos get pretty boring if you're around them 24-7.

But I have to say the 2 points I like best are the fact they attempt to show there is more to the city then one street and as far as the cast James Caan steals the show.

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