gebased Reviews

When the Bough Breaks (2016)

Not bad - crazy people out there!

[5/10 · 24 February 2018]

I liked it. At first, I thought maybe it was a Lifetime chick flick. But, it was actually on HBO. It had good build up, although you kind of knew what was going to happen. The story line was pretty good and it kept me interested.

Creepshow 3 (2006 Video)

HORRIBLE - Even with my standard for horror movies

[1/10 · 17 February 2018]

I love horror movies. I've seen so many, I'm always looking for that little gem in the sand no one has seen.I rarely go mainstream. But, I also love Stephen King - who obviously was not involved in this. 1st - great (scary, but I was about 11 when I first saw it). 2nd - pretty good. 3rd - I finally gave it 1 out of 10. I've tried watching it 3 times. Totally lame. Lost interest, fell asleep, or tonight watched paint dry instead. (Ok, not really painting ... nothing to paint. Was on internet researching things because I just had no interest). Bottom line... Don't bother. Watch water boil instead.

The Seasoning House (2012)

Amazing and horrific

[9/10 · 19 September 2014]

I watched this movie last night and did not have very I hope for it. I watch all genres of movies, but thrillers, suspense, and horror movies are typically my favorite. I was captivated by it the moment it started. The content is not for everyone. Because it is reality - something that could really happen. But, so is any war movie, some thrillers, etc. The acting, especially of the young, deaf girl, is phenomenal. I found it to be brilliant and beautiful, while horrific at the same time. It is not really a horror, but more a revenge movie. It has some interesting twists along the way, but I was caught off guard by the one at the end. Good movie if you can handle the content.

Spring Breakers (2012)

Amazing, but will be turned off by most

[8/10 · 29 April 2014]

Wow. Totally not what I expected. I rented this for my daughters (who are 17 & 20) because they like Hudgens & Gomez, but they said they turned it off part way through because it wasn't what they thought. I'm not surprised. I would guess most people would turn it off after ten minutes. BUT, they'd be missing an amazing movie that takes a yearly right of passage for teenagers and turns it into an amazingly breathtaking piece of art - visually, musically, ironically, sadly, heroically, etc. Most won't like this movie (morals, etc.). But, I don't watch Saw because I want to kill someone and I don't watch Bridges of Madison County because I want to have an affair. So, I don't watch this movie because I want to go on spring break and do drugs and have crazy sexual encounters, and drink what looks to be almost suicidal. I love movies, and, I'll watch almost anything (except most sci-fi) for the experience. This is a movie that could have been absolutely horrible, but, because of the directors vision, seemed almost a masterpiece (won't win an Oscar tho). It won't stay with you like Life Is Beautiful, but while watching, it is amazing and beautiful in its own way. In my opinion, of course. Oh - the acting was fair. Not sure I've ever seen James Franco quite like he was in this movie. I prefer him in other movies, but good for him for branching out and trying new (weird) things. He definitely went out on a limb for this role (anyone that watches will know exactly what scene I'm referring to).

Prisoners (2013)

Rather boring

[5/10 · 1 April 2014]

I had such big expectations for this movie. The trailer made it look very interesting. And, I love thrillers. I love Hugh Jackman and Maria Bello. In fact, all the actors did a very good job. However, this seemed to me no more than a Criminal Minds episode stretched to over two hours. The storyline was all over the place. The end result made sense, but took too long to get there, leaving trails never completely followed, or throwing things in that were never explained (like Jackman's not drinking for 9 1/2 years). And the end... well, unless they're doing a sequel, the end just left me thinking "that's it?". I'd prefer to watch Mystic River again than this.

Elysium (I) (2013)

Lame and boring

[4/10 · 4 January 2014]

Ohhhh where do I start? Sci-fi - negative. Matt Damon - negative. Jodie Foster's acting - negative (I usually like her). Actually, the best acting was probably the chick, her daughter, and Spider. It's set in 2154... so they somehow (w/o explaining) have figured out a way to fly in 19 min from earth to space with none of the requirements needed now (like a window); there were apparently no cars built after 2012 but they still somehow have gas, batteries, tires, etc.; some random guy can simply drill into Max's head to insert the machinery - without being a neurosurgeon (ok maybe he had medical training? doubtful) and there's no infection, recovery time, etc. from being drilled into any part of him?; the people who try to go up to Elysium to use the med bays just happen to know exactly where those med bays are located immediately on their arrival?; and why would the people on Elysium even allow the lowly people on Earth the ability to fly up there in the first place, considering they show that Elysium can shut off air space. I actually fell asleep watching this last night and finished it today. Boring and pretty lame IMO.

The Great Gatsby (2013)

Lavish and outrageous - loved it

[8/10 · 4 December 2013]

I was captivated ten minutes into it. I never read the F. Scott Fitzgerald book, but the movie seems to stay true to most of what I read of the original novels plot summary. The extravagant party scenes, cars, costumes, and music were very fascinating, but it was the mystery and ever-changing story of Gatsby, narrated by his neighbor Nick Carraway, that drew me in. I imagine in the Roaring Twenties, during Prohibition and before the stock market crash, things really were that extravagant in New York and Long Island. And I thought Leonardo DiCaprio did a very good job of portraying the mysterious millionaire that is in love with a woman, while trapped in a lie that he continues (and possibly believes) in the hopes of getting her back. You can clearly see his mood change anytime he's in fear of his secrets getting out. But as Nick tries to explain to Gatsby, you cannot relive the past and erase what has happened since. Great adaptation, in my opinion.

Nanking (2007)

Captivating

[8/10 · 31 October 2013]

It is hard to write a review on such a sad tragedy in history. I thought it was a movie, but it was actually a documentary. It was very well made, and the flow of the telling of it was very good. It included actual photos and video of the atrocities that happened, and included interviews with both Chinese victims, telling acts that were done to them or that they saw, as well as Japanese soldiers telling the acts that they performed. Hollywood actors read actual writings of the American and German missionaries that created the Safety Zone for the Chinese, possibly saving 250,000 lives. Although they were Hollywood actors, they obviously got very into the people they were portraying and you watched feeling as though it was the actual person themselves telling their story. Some parts were disturbing and most of it was very heart wrenching. A must see for anyone interested in historical accounts.

Would You Rather (2012)

Clever and entertaining

[8/10 · 30 October 2013]

Although there are a lot of movies where a group of people are locked in basements, houses, insane asylums, etc. and have to figure out why they're there, or have to play a game (loved the Saw series), this had a bit of an added twist. The players already knew it was a game and chose to come to the house for the "dinner party". What follows is a storyline that makes you ponder what you would do in that situation, where each person has a good reason to want to win and will do whatever it takes. There is not a lot of gore, compared to many of todays horror slasher movies, although some scenes do make one grimace. I enjoyed the tension and how the story played out. I was also pleased with the not that surprising but not typical ending. If you like suspense thrillers, I highly recommend it.

Anna Karenina (I) (2012)

Visually breathtaking

[9/10 · 30 October 2013]

I loved this movie. The acting was very superb, in my opinion. Although I believe Jude Law was not his best, like in Sleuth. The costumes and set designs were breathtaking. I have not read Tolstoy's novel, nor have I seen any of the prior versions. However, I love period piece movies, like The Other Boleyn girl, and novel adaptations. I particularly liked the way the sets were like a theater stage, changing from one scene to the next in a neatly flowing manner. The character development was done well, even though I heard after watching that some story lines from the novel were removed, probably to keep the movie within two hours. But it was done well enough for me to see the pain and anguish develop as Anna spirals more and more towards insanity. I believe the ending was the most obvious. A tragic love story - but the best ones always are.

Life Is Beautiful (1997)

Stays with you

[10/10 · 30 October 2013]

This is one of my top ten favorite movies of all time. It is absolutely awe-inspiring, emotional, funny, tragic. It was recommended to me by a friend who said it stayed with her long after it ended. I had the exact same experience after watching it. I've seen it several times, and it always has the same impact. The love of the husband and wife is very clear. And the "game" that the father creates to protect his son is ingenious. Of course, the main portion of the story is very sad, because you know what is going on and what they are enduring. The ending brings both tears of joy and accomplishment, but also tears of sadness. A bitter-sweet moment. The actors are excellent in this movie, especially Roberto Benigni - which is why he won an Oscar for his performance. I definitely recommend this movie to everyone.

Blast from the Past (1999)

Amusing and entertaining

[7/10 · 30 October 2013]

First of all, who doesn't love Christopher Walken? He is always great. I enjoyed watching this movie for Walken, as well as for the funny things that Brendan Fraser says and does. It is hilarious. I am not that much into comedies, as I prefer horrors/thrillers, but this one was pretty funny. The lead up to the reason they're in the nuclear shelter is interesting, and has some laughs, maybe because it seems so unlikely and ridiculous. However, it does make you think about how people felt and thought back at that time. If I had been alive, would we have a shelter? Were people really that worried? And then to be gone from human interaction for 35 years... I also loved Walken's reactions to certain things that had changed in the world in 35 years. Definitely an entertaining movie.

Bastard Out of Carolina (1996)

Excellent movie ... very sad topic

[9/10 · 14 March 2006]

I was very impressed with the acting of the movie. However, at the same time, the content was so hard to watch. I know this kind of thing goes on all the time and in fact, have a few friends and relatives that have gone through it. Having 12 and 9 year old daughters, it is very hard not to place them in the shoes of the girls in the movie. I cannot imagine what I would do to a man like that if I ever found out that was happening. I admit I tend to cry at every movie - even comedies, but this movie had me crying from so much feeling for Bones during and especially at the end when she's sitting by the fire. My oldest is already in bed, but I went in, hugged her very tight and kissed her forehead. She woke up and asked why I was crying. I could only say to her that I loved her very much and would never let anyone do anything to her and would never leave her. I recommend this movie to everyone, especially those who are in the mother's situation. Maybe it will make them see from a different angle that love for a husband should never be more than the love for a child that is being abused.

Amityville Dollhouse (1996 Video)

3 stars

[3/10 · 30 November 2004]

That would be 3 stars out of 10. The movie had potential, or so I thought. I have to admit it did start out pretty good and did have a few scary moments - where I wondered if I should be watching it late at night alone. But, by the end, I could've slept alone in an actual haunted house. The concept was good, had you wondering what could happen. But when the decomposing guy entered the picture, I knew it could only get worse. The little girl seemed to be scared around the doll house, but didn't seem to have a problem catching some zzzzzs. And the aunt & uncle - were they an afterthought when someone couldn't figure out how to bring the whole thing together? Oh, and who jumps into a fireplace on a whim? It was good for a few jumps, but I would stick to watching originals. For a true (original) story, I've never seen so many sequels.

Cabin Fever (2002)

Sufficiently scary

[8/10 · 19 November 2004]

Though it was silly at times, there were enough scenes that surprised me -- I actually jumped a few times. It was also rather gory, but in a necessary way. I did have to look away during the shaving scene, and the following scene with the dog. The "I made it" scene was predictable, and kind of corny, but better than it could've ended. I noticed that no matter how far anyone walked, ran, drove, boated, etc. away from the cabin, they somehow always ended back at the cabin. (didn't Jeff LEAVE). And, that truck was going fast enough, there is no way it could've stopped that fast. But, other than that, good enough to keep one on the edge of the seat. Though left open for a sequel, I doubt it would be better than the original.

Watch late with the lights off. 3 1/2 ***

Return to Cabin by the Lake (2001 TV Movie)

Why Sequels Should Not Be Made

[14 October 2002]

I watched Cabin By The Lake, and this sequel in a row. Whereas the first was fairly good, this was horrendously bad. Judd Nelson is an excellent actor. Unfortunately, the script, filming, other acting, etc. made this a bad follow up movie. Regardless of how long ago Stanley had killed those girls, someone in the town would remember what he looked like. Not to mention the fact that if they are making a movie ABOUT Stanley, someone doing the movie would know what he LOOKED like, as well. He too easily walked on the shoot and took over. Also, the storyline of the movie in the movie was not what actually happened in the first film. And, the filming, at times, looked like a video camera was used. All in all, the sequel was not a smidgeon close to as good as the first.

Cabin by the Lake (2000 TV Movie)

Pretty good

[14 October 2002]

Happened to catch this double feature (1 and 2) and was entertained by the movie. Pretty good acting, except for Stanley's Agent and the storyline was pretty good. Much better than the first.

However, it seems that it would have been more obvious to all involved who the killer was. Figuring it out at the end because of some ditzy model/actors threw the movie off.

Original Sin (2001)

Great actors - predictable ending

[8/10 · 8 May 2002]

As a huge Angelina Jolie fan, I couldn't wait to see this movie. Her acting ability was once again superb. As well as Antonio Banderas'. They have a hypnotic chemistry, that, with the right story, would've been much more enjoyable. Unfortunately, I found the movie to be rather slow at times and very predictable most of the time. I seemed to always be one step ahead of the movie, often asking aloud why the characters were making such obvious moves.

Overall, the movie was good, but not excellent. I would recommend it with a caution to watch to enjoy the actors abilities rather than the story line.

Meet the Parents (2000)

Don't waste your time...

[7/10 · 12 April 2001]

I only have two words - bad and stupid. This movie was not that funny (Lake Placid was funnier) and I would not recommend this movie, unless you found Something About Mary or Night at the Roxbury funny. I give this a 1 out of 10.

Lake Placid (1999)

Excellent must see comedy

[10/10 · 12 April 2001]

I first rented this movie with low expectations, thinking it'd be kind of funny. Was I surprised! It was hilarious. I went out and bought it, and in fact, watched it again last night. I can't get others to watch it again with me, but I love it. Hector and the sheriff get the excellent one-liners, but Bill Pullman and Jane Fonda throw a few out once in awhile. The crocodile is done with pretty good special effects and the croc/bear scene is great. It's not much of a horror film, though there is some gore. It's much more of a comedy. I recommend everyone watch this movie at least once (or ten times). You'll either love it or hate it. I give it a 10 out of 10.

Pretty Woman (1990)

Laugh, cry, excellent...

[10/10 · 12 April 2001]

This is one of the best movies ever. Good (though not likely) story line, funny lines, sad scenes and a fairy tale ending. Richard Gere and Julia Roberts seem made for these roles. And, Hector Alizondo, Laura San Giacomo (now on Just Shoot Me), Larry Miller and Jason Alexander fill out the movie to make an all-star cast. Definitely worth seeing (and buying!). I give it a 20 out of 10.