ok-patrick Reviews

Monkey Man (2024)

Slumdog Wickman

[8/10 · 23 April 2024]

I know I know, but I could not resist

Don't know who debuted their directorial debut with this, but s/he is definitely on the right path (edit: wow Dev Patel!). Lots of local color and vibes with action sequences that may be deemed familiar in the genre, but gripping nonetheless. Spotted some cool camera play with mirror reflections; worth mentioning: elevator door and hanging circles. To anyone expecting the mysteries of the universe solved, well, you may find one or two probable solutions if you look close enough in all the death and religion involved. Dev Patel never disappoints in anything I've seen him in, but walking the action star line (and director) was truly an unexpected treat. He's wiry enough to do justice to the role and then some. Tip of the hat to Jordan Peele and Sharlto Copley for both getting involved in the project.

All in all, a solid 8. Naysayers, pray Shiva does not frown upon your mediocre reviews.

Monarch: Legacy of Monsters (2023– )

Monstrous Teenage Angst

[3/10 · 23 December 2023]

Who in their right mind in the casting department chose those barely over tweens, to carry the series across so many continents. These personalities could not navigate the real world, nevermind the fictional cut throat corporate, international reaching armies and, wait for it, man-eating and beating Kaijus.

There is no empowerment, there aren't even any clever quips, just self entitlement, angst, and eye rolling at anyone above 20 years old, forgetting that boomers and older gens were the ones that came up with Godzilla and the lot of harmonious monsters that trample their precious feelings and probably other aspects of their personalities.

Avatar: The Way of Water (2022)

Amazing, but with a somewhat expected simpler story line

[8/10 · 15 December 2022]

Whoever deluded h**self that any subsequent movie could surprise h** as much as the first one, is in for another surprise. That's not to say that the movie is not exceedingly and jawdroppingly enjoyable, just don't go in expecting to be re-introduced to this universe, that's all said and done in the first one.

This is your second tour to the planet, so treat it as such. This is the after. What else could you expect other than "life goes on".

Storywise, yes, it is a bit weaker, and the family "good" trope is really the only thing that bothered me throughout, both in the context that the Navi tribes do not operate in such a tight familial manner, and of course by my cynical view on the holiness of families.

In any case, go see it, if anything, it is money well spent.

The Platform (2019)

Spectacular Allegory, Puzzling Script

[8/10 · 15 August 2021]

Truly amazed at this flick. Really, just watch it!

However, beware of the gory scenes. If you have a weak stomach, make sure you have someone to tell you when it's done. This movie is not about the gore, and it is at the same time.

Pig (I) (2021)

Pure Finesse

[8/10 · 25 July 2021]

"There's not much in life we really get to care about". Even for this scene alone, this movie is well worth the watch. If you can't appreciate anything beyond dumb mindless action, just skip it and thank me by downvoting.

The Irregulars (2021)

nah, yeh nah

[2/10 · 27 March 2021]

What a load of parsnips and meatballs. Couldn't even tolerate this playing in the background while doing other stuff. Teen tropes and melodramas peppered with wokeness stuffed deep down out throats. An overall insult to the Sherlock and Watson names. Sir Arthur would be horrified.

Capone (2020)

Underrated film, and director

[8/10 · 26 July 2020]

To date, I've liked any and all films Josh Trank has written and directed, and I do not care what has happened behind the cameras and outside the studios. Such a shame he's been almost outcast and mad props for Tom Hardy for looking beyond the stockpile of s*** and working with him on this flick. He knows how to choose directors and roles.

Bad Boys for Life (2020)

10* reviews are more enjoyable than the movie itself

[2/10 · 8 February 2020]

Someone turn back time and erase this sorry excuse of a script from existence. Can't believe some of the rave reviews I'm reading over this hot heap, Say bad boys one more time mf.

Star Wars: The Rise Of Skywalker (2019)

Snooze Wars

[3/10 · 29 December 2019]

My snoring must have sounded like a lightsaber; moviegoers were rattled by the actual sound effects I generated, I'm told. Even Captain Marvel was successful in not inducing a narcooleptic shock, and that's saying something. Mando is our only hope.

Freaks (2018)

Some Random Thoughts

[5/10 · 1 December 2019]

-The kid (Lexy Kolker) is excellent, so was popop (Bruce Dern). -Emile Hirsh looks too much like Jack Black, could not unsee it for the whole movie. -Amanda Crew did finally manage to break out (of venture capital). -Movie was somewhat interesting, but world building was weak (in contrast to e.g. Looper). -Superpowers are gradually, and steadily, entering a stage of over-saturation; humanity will not develop any of those, not for at least 1000 movies over the course of 7 generations, despite movie-makers' persistent wishful thinking.

Servant (2019–2023)

Eerie, Creepy, Ghastly

[7/10 · 1 December 2019]

A tip of the hat to all involved in bringing this thriller piece to our screens. Highly unexpected and incredibly engaging, that is if you do not suffer from ADD; to each his own evidently, but bashing such a series is really uncalled for. Not sure if it is worth your subscription money, but definitely worth a watch. Expect product placement throughout.

The Spy (2019)

Spyware installed

[8/10 · 6 September 2019]

Great espionage 6-piece despite how frustrating both sides of the lake have been over the years. Cohen has finally landed a role that suits him to the dot, pity he wasn't cast for Freddy Mercury, I suppose his age was a serious factor. The series has very tense scenes at times, some tolerable melodrama here and there, overall a must watch if you are not easily insulted by the ongoing conflict from either side of the border.

Carnival Row (2019–2023)

meeh

[2/10 · 4 September 2019]

11 minutes in and pressing forget in my brain. Disproportionate production value in relation to the quality of writing, character development, exposition-fest in general. Such a pity for the caliber of cast involved and the money thrown at it.

Vault (I) (2019)

a SoA hooks up with an OITNB

[3/10 · 29 August 2019]

That's all I could see, and that's what most of this movie was about, the two actors known for the series they were a part of, were too distracting given their respective series they were a part of, lacks any kind of chemistry, while Pussay should stop acting altogether to be fair, sorry lady. The heist was ok, but too short altogether, so was the planning. Again, It was mostly about those two and their problematic relationship. Save your time, click next.

Witches in the Woods (2019)

Car Witch Project

[3/10 · 29 August 2019]

As noted by others, sub-par acting, and lackluster scares, if at all. Most of the action is set in the car so don't expect much scenery and eery locations when it matters. Women sobbing and crying all the time does not make good horror, or does it?

In Fabric (2018)

Viewer Beware

[6/10 · 26 August 2019]

Definitely worth a watch, but as pointed by others, not for everyone. It carries a masterful arthouse 70's direction, editing, color scheme and production altogether, dressed up with weird, repetitive vintage synth tracks and some peculiar cuts at times beyond comprehension. At one point I thought the movie was stuck. It wasn't. You've been warned.

Lying and Stealing (2019)

A well executed B-movie

[6/10 · 24 August 2019]

Despite not being all that memorable, it does have its own firm legs to stand on and is pretty enjoyable. Cast and crew did a pretty decent job and never once did I feel that my time was stolen throughout the film, which is saying something nowadays. As pointed out by others, pacing could use a bit of tightening but more of a nitpicking point on our viewer-behalf. Solid 6 stars from yours truly.

Tone-Deaf (2019)

Strange Flick, Terrible Pianist, 4th Wall Cringefest

[4/10 · 24 August 2019]

Weird script, weirdly executed, with chuckle/cringe-worthy generational shots fired throughout the film. The story execution did achieve in keeping my attention throughout, however the disillusionment in what could have been a way better film is well established half-way.

All-in-all, prioritize viewing other films you might have missed in your life, but give this a go if you want some "wtf were they thinking" moments.

On Becoming a God in Central Florida (2019)

Hilarious in its sarcasm

[7/10 · 20 August 2019]

Half way through e01 and I find it hilarious in its sarcasm. There's one more ep out there for which I'm pressing play shortly.

Kirsten Dunst is just shy of 40, far older when we first met her in Interview with a Vampire, and admittedly, I've never been a fan of her acting, however, I'm surprisingly liking her here. Alexander Skarsgård, Ted Levine & Julie Benz are also thrown in the mix.

Worth a shot in my opinion, not sure though as of yet if it can hold any water for a second season though.

Nekrotronic (2018)

C minus - for effort

[3/10 · 10 August 2019]

The most interesting bit of the film imho was the two minute animated intro, beautifully realized altogether.

It went 15 degrees downhill soon thereafter. It's possibly a flick more enjoyable with some buddies and a few drinks potentially where you can bash and laugh about it, but I had a hard time having a good time with it nonetheless. Shot-wise, it was not that bad and to be fair vfx varied from meh to ok, but on the flip coin side, this movie is just not that interesting altogether despite being well within a genre I find amusing (horrormedy).

Night Hunter (2018)

Disjointed and incoherent

[4/10 · 10 August 2019]

Quite hard to follow the script and flow of the action, jumping from scene to scene was a mess at the very least. Hardly invested in any of the characters despite the star-studded cast which was mediocre in their performances at best. Sorry director and editor, better luck next time.

Ode to Joy (I) (2019)

that phantom of the opera skit

[8/10 · 9 August 2019]

-the world shall know compassion to me -oh terrible creature of darkness what kind of life have you known

Despite widespread triggers from the afflicted, there is guilty comedic pleasure in the situations depicted with a heartwarming overall tone.

Quality romcoms, even with a serious diagnosis as this, are hard to get by nowadays. Definitely have a go at it.

Long Shot (2019)

what's with all the saltiness?

[10/10 · 23 July 2019]

Humankind has developed far too much cynicism and is unable to just enjoy silliness at its finest. While the movie is far from a masterpiece, it is very much enjoyable despite the crudity most people here are pretending to be so appalled by; apparently they are more interested in senseless gore and death served by the likes of SAW. Lots of anger directed towards Rogen for no apparent reason. 10 stars just to get profanity warriors mad.

Mazinger Z: INFINITY (2017)

for fans, and animators maybe

[4/10 · 20 May 2019]

Never heard of Mazinger before despite being born in the very early 80's. Don't bother if you're not a die-hard fan of Mazinger longing reminiscence. The amount of wasted talent (and working hours) that went into this is astounding. Shame