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Reviews
Rebel Moon - Part One: A Child of Fire (2023)
Delivers again
Zack Snyder delivers again! Love or hate the man, but he knows entertainment. It's a mixture of movies and genres, drama, war, sci-fi. Dune, Star Wars, Seven Samurai, Monuments Men. But it's beautiful, epic in scope, action packed (Ed steals the screen in his scenes) Charlie Hunnam gives a performance I didn't see coming, Sofia is beautiful as always, don't take my word for it, watch it, suspend your hatred for Snyder and just watch it. I wasn't let down, the action is epic in scope, story is great, effects are absolutely top tier. Part 2 comes out next year, it'll be up there with Dune in later years. It's impossible to describe. Just watch it! Don't have to be a Snyder fan or anything. Trust me!!!
The Unholy (2021)
The Unholy
A good (not great) little religious horror thriller. JDM (Supernatural, The Walking Dead, The Posession) as always does a fantastic job. The story is your basic run of the mill typical PG-13 supernatural fright fest with a slight twist, "Be careful whoever you pray to." Demons can mask religious imagery, and wherever God goes, Satan is not far behind to bask in the name, and claim it was him. A deaf and mute woman, is given the power by "Mary" to speak and hear, everyone believes it's a miracle, she heals a boy with muscular dystrophy, he's able to walk, heals her uncle with emphomisia (I spelled that wrong) he doubts her and dies. The Catholic Church (as always) tries to disprove the 'miracles' but are dumbfounded until the shocking, yet predictable end. If you're in for an excellent horror movie, don't look here. But if you're here for an entertainment with a flawed story, turn off your brain, suspend disbelief, and enjoy. You won't be let down!
Saw X (2023)
"You are a warrior boy, a warrior."
After a string of sequels that didn't add anything new to the franchise, (Looking at you Spiral) Saw X breathes life into a franchise where nothing makes sense, and the timeline was confusing and convoluted. This shows John Kramer (Portrayed by the always amazing Tobin Bell) going against people who scam people for money in hopes of a cure for cancer. It may seem as a standard Saw film given the use of traps and torture, but beneath it, it's a honestly great film that shows a humanity to Kramer and his work. Yes it's brutal and gory, but there is more of a plot than the previous entries discounting the first 3. Seeing Kramer smile, laugh, and even feel hopeful for the cure was something unexpected, and heartwarming in a film franchise where you expect nothing but mindless torture and extreme gore. Define recommended for fans of the series, if you didn't like the others, you probably wouldn't like X.
V/H/S/2 (2013)
Much more of an improvement!
The first one took me by surprise, best segment in that one was Amateur Night, with the siren. This one improved on MULTIPLE LEVELS. From the main stories to the anthology connecting them, so much better written and directed! The absolute best one to me was Alien Abduction Slumber Party. The alien designs, the sounds, suspense, scares, it genuinely terrified me. The whole movie has absolute perfection in terms of scares, but if aliens are the one thing that creeps you out most then this one will stay with you for a long time. The cult one is my second favorite, followed by the test subject, and the zombie outbreak from first person.
Terrifier 2 (2022)
What tf did I just watch..?
Not a big fan of clowns but I do love horror. The first one surprised me with the black comedy, gruesome effects, and originality. When I heard a second one was being made I was questioning how.. but like any great slasher franchise leave everything out the door and enjoy what's being done. I love Freddy, Jason, and Michael, Art the Clown is a force to be reckoned with, he's holy, extremely disturbing, and original there's no path to his kills or his torture, he just does it. Damien Leone delivered a masterpiece in grotesque fashion, and original storytelling. This is a must see for any slasher film fan, or horror film fanatic. Definitely recommend!
Encounters (2023)
For the ones who don't think there's Life out there.
Former Army here, on deployment, and in basic/AIT me and several of my former soldiers have seen UAP's, it chilled us to the bone, and scared us. This show... is exactly what needs to be seen, and shared. It explains a lot of feelings, factors, and other ways people don't know how to approach, and or talk about it. This is a must see, a must recommend, and a good show to wrap your mind around and think "Are we alone..?" "Is there really life out there..?" Back in 1997 I seen the phoenix lights, I was a child but I did, my whole family did. We didn't believe before then, we did after, one last thing... DONT TRUST THE GOVERNMENT! They'll lie to you, and play games. Who else would scramble F16's to something they deny? They're here, they've been here, they will make themselves known!
Fast X (2023)
"Oh Dommy!"
After the god awful F9 this movie was a welcome surprise. As usual Dom and the family are doing what they do best, trying to keep their family safe and together from a hilarious Jason Mamoa, I cannot stress that enough. He steals every scene he's in, Vin Diesel in the same scene or not. Dude had me cracking up with his comments, and the flamboyance of Dante. It's not the usual Fast and Furious movie, there's the stunts, the crazy off the wall physics defying action, the jokes, but this one felt more emotional. Not on par with 7 for obvious reasons. If you didn't like 9 you won't like this, if you love F&F you'll love this. If anything just watch for Jason you won't be disappointed.
F9 (2021)
F9
I know these movies are not supposed to be realistic. I'm okay with that, it's good entertainment sometimes. But this... this was a legit wtf to everyone and everything. Who thinks Vin and Cena look alike? Why wasn't Jakob brought up at all? Lastly that really pissed me off, well two things actually. Who tf decided to let Cardi B play a commando of sorts, and a car in space? Like come on... good entertainment is suspending disbelief. Bad entertainment is putting crap on something and saying "Ah yes, this is much better." Avoid this one at all costs, watch until Hobbs and Shaw. That's where the franchise was actually great.
Kandahar (2023)
Kandahar
A lot of people compared this to the Covenant, not a similar movie at all. The Covenant, was a character driven, human approach to the withdrawal of American Personnel and helpers due to the taliban executing the 'traitors' this one is basically a action driven character drama. Gerard Butler does his best with the script, Ric Roman Waugh (Greenland, Shot Caller, Angel Has Fallen) did a pretty great job at the action, and story. Is it Oscar worthy? No, it's a Good Friday Saturday Night shut your brain off and enjoy the action film. Definitely kept me entertained, and on the edge of my seat. If you like seeing Gerard shoot stuff and say the F word, see this, if not, then don't bother.
These Final Hours (2013)
These Final Hours
When the pandemic hit I went to Amazon to find some good apocalyptic movies, just out of pure boredom and depression. This movie struck me by surprise. It's a low budget, Aussie film that is an absolute must see for any fan of doomsday films. It's depressing, sad, thrilling, most of all thought provoking. What would you do if everyone and everything you knew was gonna end in a few hours? Like you had the exact timeframe. Nathan Phillips did an amazing job portraying the self obsessed man, not caring for anything until he meets and rescues a young and talented, Augorie Rice (Betty Brant from the MCU Spider-Man's) she helps him see what life means, in the few precious hours left on earth. It's not for kids, there is no happy ending, but it's deeply moving. Highly recommend!
The Covenant (2023)
Guy Ritchie's The Covenant.
I'll be the first to say, I'm not a big fan of Guy Ritchie. I did enjoy the Gentleman, that was pretty darn good. When I found out he was doing a military movie with Jake Gyllenhaal I was extremely skeptical. The previews looked extremely promising, but I was still unsure. Bought it today, as a former Army soldier, this movie is extremely well done. Gyllenhaal does excellent as the main character. Dar Salim did an incredible job as the interpreter for the squad. This is one of the few movies made about the war in Afghanistan to show the dangers of being an ally to the soldiers. Highly recommend to any former soldier, or someone who just loves thrillers. You won't be disappointed.
Greenland (2020)
A tear jerking disaster movie done right.
I rented this on Apple in the midst of the pandemic. The trailer looked great, and I thought for a Gerard Butler movie, it couldn't be that bad. The story seemed a little dated, kinda like a Roland Emmerich film, dad cheated on mom had to leave comes over for a cook out to watch as fragments of a comet fly by earth. Once the first part of the comet hits and decimates Tampa and Orlando, the story picks up from there. This movie stays with you and makes you wonder, what you would do to survive and keep your family together? Butler gives a stand up performance as John, his wife is portrayed by the woman on Deadpool (I forget her name) Scott Glenn is his wife's dad, what makes this movie more sad, is some of the scenarios. After my grandfather died in 19, which is kinda relatable to Scott Glenn's character, that hit hard I just cried. If you're expecting a big budget disaster movie in vein of Armageddon, look elsewhere. This is character driven disaster done right.
Hostiles (2017)
The perfect revisionist western.
Directed by Scott Cooper (Black Mass, Crazy Heart, Out of the Furnace.) this grand and epic western starts with a brutal massacre Of a family (Rosamund Pike is the wife) which is shown in detail and disturbing in many ways. Then it cuts to Joe Blocker (Christian Bale) whose reputation as a Army Captain is well known. Under the threat of a court martial, he is forced to accompany a dying former Indian Chief (Portrayed by the always magnificent Wes Studi) along the way they find the woman in shock of the murder of her husband, two daughters, and baby (It shows the baby being shot in the neck and it's a blink and you'll miss it) and take her with them to Montana. The film tackles themes of ptsd, guilt, anger, and redemption. It starts as a slow burner, but it picks up and stays with you. Highly recommend for fans of any type of western.
Mayor of Kingstown (2021)
Came for Sheridan, stayed for the story.
I'm a big fan of Taylor Sheridan (Sicario, Day of the Soldado, Wind River, Hell or High Water, Sons of Anarchy, and of course, Yellowstone and 1883) add Jeremy Renner to the mix, and a crime drama with great suspense, and character development/study you get a excellent crime thriller with great dialogue, and excellent cinematography. There's layers in the story, much like his other works, but it seems more... intimate. Much more than Yellowstone. Sheridan is the modern day Scorsese, crafting great stories, and gripping set pieces, with excellent build up. Think Goodfellas mixed with NYPD Blue and that's exactly what Mayor of Kingstown is.
Live by Night (2016)
"I left home a soldier, I came home an outlaw.."
I don't understand the negative reviews, nor the reason why it bombed. To me it was perfect, story, characters, action, and the drama. The guy who played in Afflecks directorial debut Gone Baby, Gone as a child murderer gave an excellent performance as a member of the Klan, Brendan Gleason was great as the dad of Afflecks character. But Sienna Miller stole the show as Albert Whites girl, and Coughlins secret lover, Zoe Saldana did great as always! Give this movie a chance, one of the best modern 'classic' type feel gangster movies I've seen since Casino. It can be too talky in some parts, but what movie isn't? Trust me, it's worth it.
American Satan (2017)
We Lose Control
Bought the album the same time I bought the movie. The teaser trailer sold me in itself. I was deployed when it came out in 2017, bought it when it came out in 2018, after I rented it on iTunes. The music, story, acting, literally everything was perfect. The album in itself is a great listen and workout album. Does it have a lot of drug use and nudity? Yes, and language? Yes. But it makes it more... idk engaging. Andy, Ben, Malcolm, and the rest deliver excellent performances. Don't miss if you love rock and metal. We Lose Control is the best song in my opinion. Fits the overall tone. Was it Oscar worthy? No, but still an engaging story and it'll keep you entertained.
The Batman (2022)
I'm Vengeance.
This is a thinking man's superhero movie. Good twists, excellent cinematography, great and epic performances from everyone involved. Matt Reeves did a fantastic job on this take of the Dark Knight. Pattinson nailed the role and is my 3rd favorite Batman behind Keaton and Bale.
Breaking Bad (2008)
You're goshdarn right.
Late to watch it, my own fault. But since I found clips on YouTube, I'd thought why not. Addicted. So good, original, and highly hilarious. First heard of this show from an old friend, he watched it on deployment, told me about it and it didn't sound interesting. I was wrong.
Avatar (2009)
Cowboys and Indians on Pandora
Think a classic western, set in the future. That's Avatar in an absolute nutshell. Great story, visuals, emotional imagery reminiscent of 9/11 and that's Avatar. Don't pass up.
Without Remorse (2021)
Good Clark origin story.
I read the book before I seen the movie. Is it totally different than the book? Yes, but Michael B Jordan does an outstanding performance as John Kelly/Clark. Yeah the character in the book is White and he's Black. But don't let it push you away. The action, story, and actors/actresses do a great job. Sheridan (Yellowstone, Sicario and Wind River) wrote the screenplay, and Solloma who did Day of the Soldado did a fantastic job with the direction. Highly recommend.
One Good Cop (1991)
One Good Cop
I came across this movie today. Bought it for 5 bucks, I was born the year after it came out. Extremely underrated, Micheal Keaton gives a hell of a performance, the story is good and emotional, action is engaging, and it's something I think we as humans can relate to on a emotional level. Highly recommend.
Star Trek: Picard (2020)
Sir Patrick Stewart is and always will be Jean Luc Picard.
More mature than previous outings in the Trek world, beneath the beautiful visuals, there's a good story there. Much better than Discovery. And somewhat more brutal in some scenes. Highly recommend.
Star Trek: Discovery (2017)
Great Visuals+Terrible Story= Mediocre
Binged the first two seasons due to the pandemic and I needed a break from everything else. Loved season one, two was meh, then I couldn't even finish season 3. SMG is a great actress, but I'm tired of "The Michael Burnham?!!" Gets old after a while. Long story short, avoid after season 2.
Halo (2022)
Hello Master Chief
Okay, action, visuals, cgi, costume design are absolutely flawless. Down to the weapon design as well. Story, I'm intrigued because it's different. Don't listen to the fans (I'm one myself) check it out, the first 30 mins of the first episode are straight up EPIC.
The Matrix Resurrections (2021)
MR ANDERSON!!!
Okay, this movie has a lot and I mean ALOT, Of negative reviews. Personally, I like how Lana made it, a good nostalgic throwback and experience to the other 3, while making something... bold, spectacular, and different from the others. Sure it's weird not seeing Fishburne as Morpheus, and Weaving as Smith, but just 'unplug' and enjoy it! Definitely a must own.