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Reviews
The Iron Claw (2023)
Almost...
I'm familiar with the Von ERICHs growing up as a wrestling fan and Vice's documentary.
Thought there would be oscars all around... There was a point in the film where I think the editing was a bit off. Not a horrible film, but not the powerful film needed.
Vice's DARK SIDE OF THE RING on the VON ERICH's is much better. The acting in this film wasn't what I expected. This film might hit different for people who aren't familiar with their story.
Not a horrible film, but some things aren't working. Again, I really wanted to like this film, but it doesn't deliver and there are some issues with the way some of the scenes were executed.
The Creator (2023)
Good Sci-Fi film, Good, Could have been great
The creator was a great film, that touches on the subject of artificial intelligence carefully. Very good acting by John David Washington and supporting cast. I haven't been a fan of John David Washington until now.
Very interesting story which is initially confusing but reveals itself as the movie progresses. It's fantastic.
The editing and music supervision also added an additional layer of texture to the film. One of the best sci-fi films I've seen in years.
I also don't think there is a film that has a similar storyline. I feel that the film is missing an additional 30 minutes. That's my only complaint. There were elements to the story that I wanted to be stronger or better explained, but due to the excellent execution, I'll look past it.
The Pope's Exorcist (2023)
WOW! Horror slash Suspense film
Russell Crowe was a very likable and interesting as Father Gabriele. The backstory helped make him very interesting. What was also very good about this movie, was the backstory of the demonic forces. I won't give that away in the review, but there is a very interesting story and this is not the typical demon possession film which gets boring.
Daniel Zovatto's character, also had a good arch and had a chance to develop himself in the story.
Overall, this was a good surprise and again, I was inclined to skip it because I'm tired of EXORCIST type films. This story was good and Russell Crowe did a great job.
Think of this as more horror slash action adventure, with a hint of, religions detective work. Don't skip it!
Last Seen Alive (2022)
Bad writing, bad acting, BAD MOVIE
This is a bad movie that could have been good if the story wasn't so chaotic. There were some major plot holes that took away from the ending of the film. The story is extremely unbelievable and while you're watching it, you're trying to make sense of it and the payoff doesn't really work.
I saw the reviews and thought that it couldn't actually be that bad. It really is. I actually thing Butler made the most of what he was provided, but this script, and the characters don't really mesh.
We definitely need more character development to make this story believable. Watch this if you have absolutely nothing else to do.
Prey (2022)
Good Predator Film
This is one of the best predator films in a while. It has its ups and downs, not so sure I want to watch it again. The story is good, the PREDATOR is awesome. I liked the protagonist and their was some decent acting. The story isn't too predictable. I have this below Predator 1,2 and a even with PREDATORS. You'll notice that they took elements from predator in PREDATORS and created a good villain. Third act kind of disappoints but this was entertaining... worth watching and a welcome addition to the series.
The Northman (2022)
Decent... somewhat predictable
Good film project, but it was way too predictable. As the characters were introduced, I knew exactly what they were going to do in the 3rd act. Worth watching, but I don't think this is going to be filed as anyone's favorite.
The Last Duel (2021)
Almost Brilliant
So many talented people here, you'd expect a masterpiece, however, this film isn't a success because of the casting. Driver, Damon and Affleck are all brilliant on their own, but something was off with their portrayals of their characters. Affleck shines here, but Driver and Damon don't feel authentic at times. Perhaps, this could be do to the narrative style, which hurts the film.
Good film, not as good as it would have been had better people been chosen.
Sound of Metal (2019)
Riz Ahmed, amazing, Wanted different story
No spoilers, but the film is excellent. Great acting overall. I thought that I was going to see a different story. Thought that this was going to be a film about self development, and appreciation for life. Didn't get that.
Wasn't sure where this was going. Overall, good film to watch. Not sure I'll watch again.
Yurusarezaru mono (2013)
I expected much more
Let me start by saying that I am aware of the parallels and similarities between many modern Eastwood westerns and Kurosawa samurai films. I am also a huge fan of Ken Watanabe.
This film falls short because of the directing. Many of the things that made the 1992 cowboy film so great are missing here. Without spoiling it, I think fans of the original will be very disappointed, especially with the ending.
The cinematography is amazing. Ken Watanabe does the best he can. I thought this would have been easy to remake but I was very disappointed.
The King (2019)
Amazing Production
Can't believe that this was only a Netflix production.
Excellent casting. Tight score, good writing and directing.
Timothée Chalamet was powerful and I'm looking forward to seeing him in Dune after this. Excellent casting all around, including Robert Pattison.
You'll definitely want to watch this more than once.
Crack: Cocaine, Corruption & Conspiracy (2021)
Underwhelmed. Better Docs and Info on Crack on Youtube
I was expecting more. This doc didn't disclose or show anything new about the Crack epidemic. In fact, I felt like this doc wasn't as intrusive or in-depth as it needed to be. I expected more.
You can find better information on crack and the crack epidemic on Youtube.
The Devil All the Time (2020)
Great Thriller, That You Missed
I follow Robert Pattison to see what films he is in, knowing that he will deliver a solid performance.
Ironically, in this film, Pattison delivers, but he doesn't steal the show. Great acting, and directing made this a fantastic thriller.
Brilliant writing as well. Unique story. You won't be able to figure this out, and the story just sneaks up on you. Very interesting. Worth watch again to put things together.
Uncut Gems (2019)
Good Time Brought Me Here. I Keep Coming Back.
A friend recommended Good Times, because I was impressed with Robert Pattison's acting. I was impressed with Pattison in Good Times, but more impressed with Good Times as a film. It demonstrated what the Safie Brothers abilities. They focused on characters, cinematography, music supervision, dialogue and character development.
These are the same elements that made Uncut Gems so brilliant. All of the reviews here describe the film as disturbing in some way, and I believe that the directors managed to capture a glimpse into the life of a very disturbed character played by Sandler. This is a great story and great story telling.
There is also a sense of reality in these films. The actors, and supporting cast have flaws, and you feel that you're watching a piece of reality. You're watching a character, and you're thinking that you know someone like them. As you start this you'll feel like you're experiencing something. I'd love to see what they do next. You'll need to see this more than once, and if you're a filmmaker of film student, you'll keep coming back to this after you learn about the research that went into making this.
Ostensibly, the title is about a precious with valuable stones in it. Perhaps the directors were speaking about their films.
White Boy Rick (2018)
Waiting For The Story To Show Up
You have good actors, a good production... now where do we go from here? How about the script? I'm being silly, but this is how this movie felt. You finish this film and wonder if this story warranted a film in the first place. I couldn't figure out who Rick was. A dumb White guy, or a guy who became a street legend. Not horrible, just not worth watching if you have something better to do.
Night Hunter (2018)
When a Great Script Meets Bad Casting And Mediocre Directing
I read the reviews and thought people were too harsh, saying this film HAD so much potential. The community was absolutely right. This is an interesting story that has a few bad actors, or good actors who were not put in their element.
You can definitely skip this.
Papillon (2017)
Good. Not Better Than The Original. But Worth Watching.
Right away, I have to say that this film is good, but doesn't capture the enormity of the original, which was epic. Several things made the original better. First, great acting by both McQueen and Dustin Hoffman. The score in the first can stand on its own and it helped you feel the proportion of the epic book.
This story is enjoyable, and while it is a good production, I didn't feel as though I was experiencing Papillon's entire journey, which was actually told in 2 books. Honestly, if you want to experience Papillon, you have to watch the first movie. You also need to read Henri Charrière's two books. Both Papillon and Banco. They are page turners and you'll understand how difficult it is to portray Papillon's epic tale.
This film however, is enjoyable and only people who've seen the earlier movie will understand elements that are referenced and slightly glanced over.
Worth watching. Not worth buying. Saving this flick for a rainy day and hopefully it draws you into Papillon's story. Chris Hunnam is good, but homeboy can't carry the film on his own.
The Lost City of Z (2016)
Brilliant production and acting cannot save this boring narrative
There is no shortage of brilliant acting and production here. The problem with this film is that it doesn't deliver. Even if it is based on a novel, the writers might have done better if they took some liberties with the facts and delivered a more interesting narrative. Worth watching, but you're waiting for something to happen and it never does. More than anything, more could have been done to pique interest in the lost city. A native mentions it once, and while watching, you wonder why the protagonist was so obsessed.
Bone Tomahawk (2015)
Surprisingly Good Film. Interesting Story.
This film crept up on me. I am going out of my way to write a review and a rarely do. This is a not only a good western but a good film. The acting is realistic. I won't call this a horror in the Nightmare on Elmstreet sense. Think THE MISSING or Western suspense. You don't have to like Westerns to enjoy this.
Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens (2015)
The Force Is Dead (JJ Abrams made a prequel film) No Spoiler
Ladies and Gents,
I was raised on these films like many of you; late thirties and a Star Wars kid. After the prequels, I went into this film feeling like I was going to get some closure.
Long and short, if you're reading this, if you're a Star Wars fan, you're not going to get "that" feeling.
This movie felt like a remake of A NEW HOPE, filled with bad writing and plot concepts that didn't make any sense.
I wouldn't recommend that any of you rush to see this. I feel bad for all of the people who stood on line for this.
The worst part of this, I'm not even sure if it was better than any of the prequels.
I'm sorry. The force, as we know it as Star Wars fans, it is dead and it died way back in when the Jedi returned.
I tried to be as objective as I could, but this film is really bad. Why?
Bad writing. To much was "forced" (phun intended) by executives at Disney I guess.
Harrison Ford didn't really feel like Han Solo. He felt more like your next door neighbor's dad: Trying to be Han Solo.
John Boyega adds levity to the film, but you don't get any understanding of him or his intentions.
Oscar Isaac, was in this film for what reason?
Max Von Sydow wasn't really in this film.
Lupita Nyong'o how much cash did you get attached to this horrible role?
I'm honestly glad that I'm not a millennial; trying to get into Star Wars and wondering if I should watch the prequels, then being subjected to this horrendous film.
The force is dead folks.
The Man with the Iron Fists (2012)
Lost In Translation
The bad reviews and ratings are warranted, but let me explain why.
You don't have to focus on anything but bad writing here. I think the RZA and Roth started out with something good on paper. However, some things got lost in translation.
You'd think that a martial arts flick with classic Wu-tang tracks would be a hit, but it fails to connect. You might think you're walking into a movie that pays homage to the old school fight flicks, but you're getting a new film, with decent cinematography, bad music supervision and a concept that did not materialize correctly.
So even if someone else beside the RZA had directed this, it still would have been average at best, simply because the story doesn't work.
The other item, is the RZA. His character didn't really work, but the back story on him should have been more developed and been the focus of the film.
This was the RZA's demo tape. He'll be back with a hit next time around.
Looper (2012)
Only works if you bite...
After reading some of the unwarranted reviews here on IMDb, I went into this film, expecting to see a decent sci fi action film.
What I got, was a film more predictable than Minority Report. This film only works if you want, for instance, since this is a time travel film, the insertion of obligatory actors from past sci fi films is there to make the movie more believable.
I won't explain the film here, but I will say that when an attempt to discuss time travel theory is made, the story is written so that the audience realizes that they don't need to worry about the particulars, just realize that it works.
You can watch this once and then forget about it. This only works if you want it to. I tried and I opted out.