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Moronimotta
Reviews
Percy Jackson and the Olympians: I Accidentally Vaporize My Pre-Algebra Teacher (2023)
Decent start but paced faster than the master bolt
It was no surprise that the series would be done with more respect than the previous productions. The trailers, announcements and news confirmed even more how much passion was put into this project.
The first episode was a decent start, full of energy, life, with great acting, amazing cinematography and soundtrack.
The actors are mostly great. Walker Scobell nails Percy Jackson's charm. The chemistry between Percy, Grover, and Sally was the highlight of the episode are surely other interactions will be up to the same level.
The episode structure gives the feeling of tearing the pages out of the book and bringing them to the screen, from the pace to the episode titles.
Speaking of pacing, you will hardly be bored, the feeling of a new adventure and magic is present at all times, eliminating "boring and long explanation" moments. Despite making the episode dynamic, it affects the development of the characters and the time for ideas introduced to mature, becoming very fast, resulting in apathy and confusion (even having read the books, I try to watch the series as someone who is being introduced to the story for the first time).
I know that people been saying this since the first book came out but, the first episode gave me the same vibe as Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, with similar scenes such as the Minotaur's fight and the Troll's fight in the bathroom or the call to adventure in a distant cabin in the middle of the storm. It's not a negative point, just an observation.
Perhaps something that many will not agree with, but the film managed to better balance the beginning of the story with the new information that needed to be introduced, making the pace more concentrated and linear.
Overall, decent start for a series that will be a great deal in a few years.
Spider-Man: Lotus (2023)
Trapped in it's own Web of Hype - Spider-Man: Lotus
At a staggering budget of $100,000 USD, Spider-Man Lotus enters the indie fan film arena with anticipation riding high. However, despite its financial prowess, the film struggles to translate its substantial investment into a polished and coherent cinematic experience.
Cinematography, takes an unexpected tumble here. Struggling with inconsistent color choices, shaky camera work, and odd moments where characters lose focus, the film fails to capitalize for visually captivating shots.
The editing further compounds the film's challenges, as it's plagued by puzzling continuity errors. For example: MJ knowing where Harry is after months without seeing him or even knowing about Harry's drug problem, since went missing right after his father died. Or Green Goblin knowing the place where Uncle Ben's Killer was arrested. Even Goblin's motivation left to be desired too.
Knowing that this is a indie movie, the GCI is expected to be weak. The diference between the work of the initial artists and their successors is evident, casting a shadow over the overall visual consistency of the production.
The soundtrack, while initially promising with its impressive score, falls short in execution. The music's placement disrupts rather than enhances the flow, and an unfortunate tendency to overuse the music detracts from the film's quieter moments. Given the substantial budget, the film could have better leveraged its soundtrack to create a more immersive experience.
The cast's performances exhibit a wide range of skill, with some shining and others faltering. Surprisingly, the "uncredited kid from true blood," Warden Wayne, delivers a performance lacking emotional depth and conviction. In contrast, standout portrayals by Moriah Brooklyn, Maxwell Fox-Andrews, Mariah Fox and Jack Wooton breathe authenticity into their characters, holding the best scenes in the movie (scenes where Spider-Man is not in!).
The pacing emerges as another obstacle, with prolonged dramatic segments and recurring scenes that detract from the narrative's flow. The film's attempt to juggle multiple storylines results in rushed resolutions, leaving some arcs feeling underdeveloped. The Harry and MJ subplot stands out as one of the film's more cohesive elements. If the movie had condensed its runtime to about an hour and centered on Peter Parker's process of coming to terms with Gwen Stacy's death, ultimately connecting with "The Kid Who Collects Spider-Man", the story would have found a more fitting and engaging balance.
In conclusion, my expectations for this film were elevated, particularly considering the manner in which it was being approached with a distinct sense of professionalism, reminiscent of mainstream productions. However, it regrettably falls short in delivering a straightforward narrative centered on overcoming challenges during trying circumstances.
Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One (2023)
Prepare your heart to the adrenaline higher than the many times Tom Cruise is flirted by all the woman in this movie!
Since IMDB doesn't have decimal scores, Im rounding an 8,5 to 9.
Mission Impossible Reckoning Part 1 keeps the franchise's tradition of utilizing the modern world as a backdrop for its characters' perilous missions. Unlike its predecessors, this installment presents a threat that feels not only modern but also eerily close to reality, thanks to the exponential advancement of artificial intelligence and machine learning. The film effectively introduces this concept, while the entity serves as an entertaining counterpoint to the classic spy equipment typically used by the characters.
As always, Tom Cruise delivers a phenomenal performance, immersing the audience in the action with a remarkable physicality. He fearlessly performs his own stunts, seamlessly blending thrilling chase scenes and captivating fights to create a tangible sense of excitement and adrenaline.
Reckoning Part 1 adheres to the successful formula established in previous films, incorporating all the expected elements that fans have come to enjoy.
However, the film falls short in preparing the audience for what's to come. While it offers hints at possible scenarios in the next chapter, it fails to provide substantial arguments to support the need for another installment. This lack of convincing reasoning leaves viewers wondering if all conflicts could have been resolved with an additional 20 minutes of screen time, undermining the necessity for a continuation.
Additionally, the film's presentation of information for audiences to piece together the puzzle proves challenging to digest at times. This difficulty detracts from the overall experience, leading to a certain disconnect and reduced empathy towards the decisions made by the characters, especially the secondary ones.
In conclusion, Mission Impossible Reckoning Part 1 delivers a modern and adrenaline-fueled entry to the franchise. It's worth watching in the big screen and definitely the best in the franchise.
Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny (2023)
Indiana Jones and that time when you think Crystal Skull cannot be dethroned
Indiana Jones, the iconic archaeologist and adventurer, returns to the silver screen in his latest installment. Unfortunately, this film fails to capture the magic and excitement that fans have come to expect from the franchise. From poor character development to missed opportunities, "Indiana Jones" leaves much to be desired.
One of the major drawbacks of this film is the lack of character development, particularly with regards to Helena. Audiences are introduced to her character, but she remains underdeveloped throughout the story, leaving viewers feeling detached and uninvested in her journey.
Additionally, the iconic Indiana Jones theme, which has always been a staple of the series, is mishandled in several scenes. Even worse, one pivotal scene involving the death of an important character for Indy fails to properly utilize this iconic musical motif, which robs the moment of its emotional impact.
As the plot unfolds, audiences may find themselves questioning the choices made by the characters. There are numerous instances where it becomes evident that simple solutions were available, making it frustrating for viewers to see the characters overlook obvious alternatives.
The action scenes, although plentiful, feel unnecessarily drawn out. This is particularly evident in the film's opening sequence, where the excitement quickly dissipates as the action drags on for too long. The lack of tight pacing and judicious editing hampers the overall enjoyment of these moments.
For longtime fans of the franchise, the film's attempt at fan service falls flat. Rather than providing exciting callbacks or nods to previous installments that would evoke nostalgic responses, the movie misses the mark, failing to elicit the anticipated gasps or moments of fan delight.
Comedy has always played a part in the Indiana Jones series, but unfortunately, the few jokes in this film fall completely flat. The humor feels forced and lacking in genuine wit, leaving audiences disappointed and yearning for the sharp and clever banter that was once a trademark of the franchise.
One aspect that does work reasonably well is the incorporation of time travel, which brings back echoes of the beloved "Last Crusade." This part of the adventure is surprisingly enjoyable, but the film fails to fully capitalize on its potential. The lack of challenges for the characters in returning home and the absence of a compelling motivation for Indy to make his final decision in what is touted as his "final" adventure leaves a sense of missed opportunities.
Regrettably, this film is not the grand finale that fans had hoped for. It lacks the emotional connection that made previous Indiana Jones adventures so memorable. While Indy claims to have dedicated his life to this particular treasure hunt, the movie fails to establish that deep emotional bond, leaving audiences feeling detached and indifferent.
In conclusion, "Indiana Jones" falls short in multiple aspects, including character development, missed opportunities, stretched action scenes, poor fan service, lackluster humor, and a lack of emotional connection. Despite a decent time travel element reminiscent of the franchise's glory days, this film ultimately fails to deliver the satisfying conclusion that fans deserve.
The Last of Us (2023)
Faithful but still scared
The long-awaited game-to-screen adaptation has finally arrived, and it's a triumph that not only pays homage to the source material but surpasses it in many ways. With Pedro Pascal embodying the role of Joel and Bella Ramsey delivering a remarkable performance as Ellie, the characters come to life in ways that transcend the original game.
The series delves deep into character development, presenting a more human and broken side to our beloved protagonists. The casting choices are spot-on, with each actor delivering a stellar performance that adds layers of depth to their respective characters.
From the well-crafted lines to the subtle Easter eggs strategically placed for future foreshadowing, the series expertly connects the narrative threads, weaving a story that aligns seamlessly with the events of Part II. The inclusion of additional storylines, such as Bill and Frank, adds richness to the series and enhances the development of the central relationship between Joel and Ellie.
However, while the adaptation excels in many aspects, it does play it safe at times. Some events feel rushed, and certain brilliant ideas are left unexplored, leaving viewers longing for a more in-depth exploration of the characters' intricacies.
A missed opportunity arises in the Sam and Henry episode, where the fear instilled in the audience during the underground encounter with clickers could have been amplified through Sam's deafness, creating a powerful contrast. Regrettably, this potential was left untapped.
The pacing of the episodes tends to be uneven, with a slow build-up in the beginning only to be followed by a rushed climax in the last 10 minutes. Nevertheless, the series shines brightest when it presents original moments, deviating from a strict replication of the game. Moments like Joel and Ellie's endearing banter in episode 4 and the cleverly executed men's magazine scene stand out as prime examples of the adaptation's brilliance.
Overall, this adaptation truly surpasses its gaming counterpart. It captures the essence of the characters, adds new dimensions to their stories, and excels in creating original moments that elevate the series to new heights. Despite a few shortcomings, it stands as a testament to the potential of game adaptations when done right.
Uncharted (2022)
Go Play The Games and Have Guarantee Fun
As a devoted fan of the Uncharted games, it's disheartening to admit that this movie fails to grasp the true essence of the series.
The heart of Uncharted lies in the characters' relationships and their thrilling treasure hunts. However, the decision to focus solely on Nathan Drake as the central character is a missed opportunity. Other intriguing and charismatic characters, such as Sam and Chloe, could have been explored to offer a fresh perspective.
The movie suffers from cheesy dialogue, poor attempts at humor, the miscasting of Mark Wahlberg, and a generic "unfound treasure of epic proportions" plotline. The secondary villain, who transitions to the main antagonist, feels forgettable and serves as a forced display of wickedness.
Tom Holland, under questionable direction, fails to capture the essence of the iconic Nathan Drake character. Instead, he comes across as his usual self with a puppy-like expression, failing to embody the spirit of the adventurous protagonist.
Despite its shortcomings, there are a few commendable aspects worth mentioning. The ship sequence showcases some exciting action, reminiscent of the game's thrilling set pieces. The inclusion of the original "Nate's Theme" adds a nostalgic touch that resonates with fans. Additionally, the cameo appearance of uncle Nolan, the voice actor of Nathan Drake in the games, is a small but appreciated nod to the franchise.
In conclusion, the Uncharted movie misses the mark in understanding the essence of the beloved game series. With its lackluster character choices, cheesy dialogue, and forgettable villains, it fails to capture the magic that made the games so beloved. While a few standout moments provide some enjoyment, they aren't enough to salvage the overall disappointment of this adaptation.
Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (2022)
Don't expect to see a "Multiverse" movie but a lot of "Madness" in a negative way.
This movie gives audiences two distinct ways to enjoy it: as a playful horror flick in the style of Sam Raimi or as a typical Marvel superhero spectacle. If you choose the former, you're likely to have a better time.
It's clear that Sam Raimi had a lot of fun directing this film, but he struggled to fully develop the central idea behind it. The potential within the story feels wasted, leaving viewers wanting a more polished execution.
As a follow-up to Doctor Strange, it falls short in the humor department compared to most other Marvel movies. The attempts at comedy often miss their mark, resulting in a lackluster experience. The redemption arc for the main villain feels half-hearted and fails to leave a lasting impact.
Unfortunately, the movie relies too heavily on pandering to fans, prioritizing surprise moments and nostalgia over a compelling plot. This emphasis on surface-level gratification detracts from the overall substance of the film.
It's disappointing that the primary goal seems to be generating audience reactions rather than delivering a captivating storyline. The movie fails to engage viewers on a deeper level, leaving them disconnected from the plot and characters.
In conclusion, this movie presents a conflicting mix of entertaining horror elements and typical Marvel entertainment. While Sam Raimi's directorial style adds a unique charm, the film lacks a fully realized core concept. With its underwhelming humor, lackluster villain story, and excessive reliance on fan service, it ultimately falls short of its potential. Those seeking a more genuine and immersive cinematic experience may find themselves let down by the movie's surface-level approach.