ZOMBIELAND (2009), PRIDE AND PREJUDICE AND ZOMBIES (2016), THE DEAD DON'T DIE (2019), and READY OR NOT (2019) are all films in this genre that actually delivered what this one should have ... what it teased. One Air Supply joke and a riff on corporate greed and out-of-control entitled holiday shoppers was a tremendous idea that would have benefitted from more humorous social commentary. It's a letdown that may yet find a place the Midnight Movie slot.
Reviews
12 Reviews
Sons of Anarchy
(2008–2014)
7 was a letdown
23 November 2021
This is not a perfect show or even a great one but it is one I would highly recommend to anyone who likes a good story and this is a good story about love, hate and the ties that bind and choke you to death. The acting is wonderful by everyone; most notably Katey Sagal who gives the performance of a lifetime as the Matriarch of an outlaw biker club. This is not a show for everyone and it sometimes gets lost in its own drama but I disagree that season 7 was a letdown. I think it was a necessary outcome of everything that came before; a man with nothing to lose and nothing to live for. SOA is not the greatest show of all time but it sure was one of hell of a fun.
The Last Duel
(2021)
Gorgeous and great movie!
22 November 2021
Based on the true story of France's last trial by combat in the Middle Ages. Knight Jean de Carrouges challenges his former friend Jacques Le Gris to a duel after Jean's wife Marguerite accuses Le Gris of rape. Told in multiple Rashomon-style points of view. What an incredible and powerful film this was.
My first few positives would be the amazing cinematography, set locations and action. As well as the strong use of gore, great plot structure and fantastic performances. This film was visually stunning, it bought to life the medieval period in such a striking and realistic way. The action scenes were so well shot and crafted; the film made the most out of its budget. The set locations were also amazing and so large in scope, it really made me just escape to the past in the best way as I was invested at the grandness and sheer scale of each location. I also thought the action and gore was very strong. It was gritty, gruesome, and hard hitting. Certainly not for the faint hearted. But the gore really added impact. The film showed how easy it was for the knights and people of the time to die so young. As the chaos of the battles and how brutal they were really showed how intense the fighting was within the war. I also thought the plot structure was fantastic. Splitting the film into 3 parts from 3 different perspectives was fascinating and an interesting dynamic to the film. Seeing similar scenes repeated but from a different perspective or hearing a conversation that wasn't heard the first time around was cleverly done. Plus, how the film manipulated what the audience knows due to who the perspective was from was fantastic. The performances from the whole cast here were also fantastic. Matt Damon, Adam Driver and Ben Affleck delivered passionate, hard hitting and often uncomfortable performances and were incredible. But the true star for me was Jodie Comer. She is an incredible actress. Her performance was moving and powerful, bringing so much emotion to her character.
My Next few positives would be the character conflict and likeable characters. As well as the chemistry between the cast and fantastic pacing. And the great tone, dynamic between characters and fantastic themes. I thought the character conflict was very strong, it played into the films themes with its male characters very well. The conflict felt very personal so therefore the tension and stakes were high not just for the plot but for the characters as well. I also thought the characters were likeable in particular Marguerite, she had such a caring charm to her. Despite the limitations of what she could do, she still made the most out of her opportunities and was a genuinely kind person. I also liked how the film manipulated the audience into believing Jean (Matt Damon) and Jacques (Adam Driver) were likeable and good characters but once we saw the truth it was the complete opposite. I also thought the whole cast had fantastic and believable chemistry which made it so much easier to get invested in the plot because you cared about the characters. Next, I thought the films pacing was perfect. For me there wasn't one single dull moment, and I was intrigued and glued to the screen from beginning to end. With the constant action and the fascinating storytelling, I was always invested so the runtime went very quickly. I also thought the film balanced its different tones perfectly. The blend of gritty action and gruesome gore, and more personal and emotional drama was fantastic and there was a great balance of them both that never felt like the film was going too far in one direction tonally which I loved. I also loved the interesting dynamic the film gave the characters. Depending on what point of view was being told the relationships were always conveyed in a different way. Which was fantastic storytelling for me as it made characters look better than what they were. So, when we saw the truth the dynamics between relationships changed completely. One of the strongest elements of the film for me was its themes. Themes such as power, honour, and pride were handled brilliantly and in depth. Whilst also highlighting the disgusting way women were treated at the time.
My final few positives would be the building of stakes and plot development. As well as the fantastic script and uncomfortable tone. And the fantastic final act. This film-built stakes incredibly. The duel that was built up throughout had so many lives on the line, but Marguerite risked that to be heard and to speak her truth. I also loved the development to the plot. Each scene had purpose and was important to the plot, and as it developed into the different point of views any pieces of information missing was given a scene to explain or explore. This just further proves how fantastic the script was. The attention to detail was incredible, the dialogue was powerful and moving and it was just incredible writing. I also appreciated the attention it gave to the horrors of rape and the lack of people who get prosecuted. It was very uncomfortable seeing the scene twice, but also seeing it from the point of view of the man making it seem consensual and the truth was awful but also a sad reflection of issues in today's society. The final act for this film was incredible. It was entertaining, intense, and moving. The duel was incredibly shot and gruesome and ended the film incredibly well.
Overall, the last duel for me is what cinema and film is all about. With powerful performances, a clever and well-constructed plot. And its themes handled in a powerful and thought-provoking way. It gave a voice to a woman who refused to be silenced.
My first few positives would be the amazing cinematography, set locations and action. As well as the strong use of gore, great plot structure and fantastic performances. This film was visually stunning, it bought to life the medieval period in such a striking and realistic way. The action scenes were so well shot and crafted; the film made the most out of its budget. The set locations were also amazing and so large in scope, it really made me just escape to the past in the best way as I was invested at the grandness and sheer scale of each location. I also thought the action and gore was very strong. It was gritty, gruesome, and hard hitting. Certainly not for the faint hearted. But the gore really added impact. The film showed how easy it was for the knights and people of the time to die so young. As the chaos of the battles and how brutal they were really showed how intense the fighting was within the war. I also thought the plot structure was fantastic. Splitting the film into 3 parts from 3 different perspectives was fascinating and an interesting dynamic to the film. Seeing similar scenes repeated but from a different perspective or hearing a conversation that wasn't heard the first time around was cleverly done. Plus, how the film manipulated what the audience knows due to who the perspective was from was fantastic. The performances from the whole cast here were also fantastic. Matt Damon, Adam Driver and Ben Affleck delivered passionate, hard hitting and often uncomfortable performances and were incredible. But the true star for me was Jodie Comer. She is an incredible actress. Her performance was moving and powerful, bringing so much emotion to her character.
My Next few positives would be the character conflict and likeable characters. As well as the chemistry between the cast and fantastic pacing. And the great tone, dynamic between characters and fantastic themes. I thought the character conflict was very strong, it played into the films themes with its male characters very well. The conflict felt very personal so therefore the tension and stakes were high not just for the plot but for the characters as well. I also thought the characters were likeable in particular Marguerite, she had such a caring charm to her. Despite the limitations of what she could do, she still made the most out of her opportunities and was a genuinely kind person. I also liked how the film manipulated the audience into believing Jean (Matt Damon) and Jacques (Adam Driver) were likeable and good characters but once we saw the truth it was the complete opposite. I also thought the whole cast had fantastic and believable chemistry which made it so much easier to get invested in the plot because you cared about the characters. Next, I thought the films pacing was perfect. For me there wasn't one single dull moment, and I was intrigued and glued to the screen from beginning to end. With the constant action and the fascinating storytelling, I was always invested so the runtime went very quickly. I also thought the film balanced its different tones perfectly. The blend of gritty action and gruesome gore, and more personal and emotional drama was fantastic and there was a great balance of them both that never felt like the film was going too far in one direction tonally which I loved. I also loved the interesting dynamic the film gave the characters. Depending on what point of view was being told the relationships were always conveyed in a different way. Which was fantastic storytelling for me as it made characters look better than what they were. So, when we saw the truth the dynamics between relationships changed completely. One of the strongest elements of the film for me was its themes. Themes such as power, honour, and pride were handled brilliantly and in depth. Whilst also highlighting the disgusting way women were treated at the time.
My final few positives would be the building of stakes and plot development. As well as the fantastic script and uncomfortable tone. And the fantastic final act. This film-built stakes incredibly. The duel that was built up throughout had so many lives on the line, but Marguerite risked that to be heard and to speak her truth. I also loved the development to the plot. Each scene had purpose and was important to the plot, and as it developed into the different point of views any pieces of information missing was given a scene to explain or explore. This just further proves how fantastic the script was. The attention to detail was incredible, the dialogue was powerful and moving and it was just incredible writing. I also appreciated the attention it gave to the horrors of rape and the lack of people who get prosecuted. It was very uncomfortable seeing the scene twice, but also seeing it from the point of view of the man making it seem consensual and the truth was awful but also a sad reflection of issues in today's society. The final act for this film was incredible. It was entertaining, intense, and moving. The duel was incredibly shot and gruesome and ended the film incredibly well.
Overall, the last duel for me is what cinema and film is all about. With powerful performances, a clever and well-constructed plot. And its themes handled in a powerful and thought-provoking way. It gave a voice to a woman who refused to be silenced.
Finch
(2021)
Pretty impressive from Hanks
22 November 2021
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"Finch is far from being the most impressive, imaginative post-apocalyptic, survival film, but it's still a captivating, character-driven story that boasts an emotionally resonant, meaningful personal journey.
Tom Hanks proves to still be in shape by delivering a genuine performance as a man who teaches and learns about companionship, human bonding, and perseverance of love and life.
Focusing on the relationships between Finch, the adorable dog, and the witty robot (excellently voiced by Caleb Landry Jones), Miguel Sapochnik takes good advantage of stunning cinematography, exceptional VFX, and one of the year's best scores to elevate an otherwise generic, somewhat slow movie.
Despite some world-building elements being foreshadowed and not receiving a satisfactory outcome, I still highly recommend watching this subversive take on the world's ending."
"Finch is far from being the most impressive, imaginative post-apocalyptic, survival film, but it's still a captivating, character-driven story that boasts an emotionally resonant, meaningful personal journey.
Tom Hanks proves to still be in shape by delivering a genuine performance as a man who teaches and learns about companionship, human bonding, and perseverance of love and life.
Focusing on the relationships between Finch, the adorable dog, and the witty robot (excellently voiced by Caleb Landry Jones), Miguel Sapochnik takes good advantage of stunning cinematography, exceptional VFX, and one of the year's best scores to elevate an otherwise generic, somewhat slow movie.
Despite some world-building elements being foreshadowed and not receiving a satisfactory outcome, I still highly recommend watching this subversive take on the world's ending."
Mo' Better Blues
(1990)
Not my fave
19 November 2021
As with several of Spike Lee's earlier films I just do not get them as they are not part of the lifestyle I lead. But that is not to say they are not stunningly beautiful and full of charm. This film says a lot about trumpet music and jazz, it's just not my cup of tea, I would much rather watch Lee's more racial driven films. This film marks the first of four collaborations that Spike Lee and Denzele Washington have conferred on together and it is their least effective, but every one has got to start somewhere. If they had not done this together than the camaraderie that is felt on the better films Malcolm X, He Got Game, and Inside Man, could never had been achieved. This film is basically just the building block to bridge the gap until Spike and his troupe are better prepared to take on better ideas to be put into film.
This film has a great supporting cast as do most of Lee's films. It's got Sam L. Jackson, Joie Lee, John Turrtoro, Bill Nunn, and Robin Harris among others. These people are all great actors and always leave an impression on a film even when the film is not that good. This film could have been made better if it had not relied completely on Denzel's character to drive the story, if it had been opened up and given the other actors time to prevail their characters than the film would have been helped by what they could have brought to the table. As the film is it just stays stagnate and not much happens. If you want to hear some good music watch, i would suggest a CD though, stay away if you want a solid story.
This film has a great supporting cast as do most of Lee's films. It's got Sam L. Jackson, Joie Lee, John Turrtoro, Bill Nunn, and Robin Harris among others. These people are all great actors and always leave an impression on a film even when the film is not that good. This film could have been made better if it had not relied completely on Denzel's character to drive the story, if it had been opened up and given the other actors time to prevail their characters than the film would have been helped by what they could have brought to the table. As the film is it just stays stagnate and not much happens. If you want to hear some good music watch, i would suggest a CD though, stay away if you want a solid story.
Hoop Dreams
(1994)
A dream
19 November 2021
Hoop Dreams is one of the richest film experiences of 1994, a spellbinding American epic that holds you firmly in its grip for nearly three hours. Two African-American teenagers (William Gates and Arthur Agee) from inner-city Chicago struggle to enter the world of professional basketball.
Epic, moving and intensely memorable, the film tackles the issue of sport as an escape route from the ghetto, but heroically transcends the clichés, delving into the backgrounds of the boys and their families, detailing the obstacles they have to face over four years, and showing us what it means to them to win - a game, a place in the team, a new life. It is truly a great American documentary.
Epic, moving and intensely memorable, the film tackles the issue of sport as an escape route from the ghetto, but heroically transcends the clichés, delving into the backgrounds of the boys and their families, detailing the obstacles they have to face over four years, and showing us what it means to them to win - a game, a place in the team, a new life. It is truly a great American documentary.
The Matrix Reloaded
(2003)
Mixed
19 November 2021
It's a little while after The Matrix. Morpheus (Laurence Fishburne) believes that Neo (Keanu Reeves) is the key to defeating the machines. Trinity (Carrie-Anne Moss) is now with Neo. Meanwhile the machines have start digging, and will breach Zion in 72 hours. Also Agent Smith is now free from the code and is even more powerful.
It's a good start to the second installment of the series from the Wachowski brothers. There's a ticking clock. It's leading to a big battle. We're going to see Zion for the first time. Agent Smith is even more powerful. But then we get to Zion.
Zion is a sweaty mess. And for people with 72 hours to live, these people go have a dance party. Instead of great running battles, the first half is a very, very excruciatingly slow grind. The program world has some interesting ideas, but that also gets too slow at times. There are too many slow expositions. There is generally too much talking and not enough doing.
I still love the kung fu fighting. The addition of the twins is quite nice. The first fight against the Agent Smiths is a disappointment. It turns into a CGI video game. That's never been cool in a movie to keep switching from real stunts to CG animation cartoons. Other fights are much better. Even the later fight against the Agent Smiths is pretty good.
The best part is the big highway chase. That is an amazing bit of movie-making. It's a super fun time.
And I like Colonel Sanders. He's uniquely original. He's certainly memorable.
Overall the first half is a major drag. The movie gets better in the second half. It's a disappointing sequel, but still has great sequences.
It's a good start to the second installment of the series from the Wachowski brothers. There's a ticking clock. It's leading to a big battle. We're going to see Zion for the first time. Agent Smith is even more powerful. But then we get to Zion.
Zion is a sweaty mess. And for people with 72 hours to live, these people go have a dance party. Instead of great running battles, the first half is a very, very excruciatingly slow grind. The program world has some interesting ideas, but that also gets too slow at times. There are too many slow expositions. There is generally too much talking and not enough doing.
I still love the kung fu fighting. The addition of the twins is quite nice. The first fight against the Agent Smiths is a disappointment. It turns into a CGI video game. That's never been cool in a movie to keep switching from real stunts to CG animation cartoons. Other fights are much better. Even the later fight against the Agent Smiths is pretty good.
The best part is the big highway chase. That is an amazing bit of movie-making. It's a super fun time.
And I like Colonel Sanders. He's uniquely original. He's certainly memorable.
Overall the first half is a major drag. The movie gets better in the second half. It's a disappointing sequel, but still has great sequences.
John Wick
(2014)
Don't cross wick
19 November 2021
Keanu Reeves (Always Be My Maybe) plays one tough dude, being John Wick, a man who you never, ever cross. Much has been said about this film. Ideally I would like to have seen Russian actors cast as the Russians, but I guess the British actors were suitable substitutes I guess.
The sequels weren't as good, but still, any Wick is better than none that's for s.
The sequels weren't as good, but still, any Wick is better than none that's for s.
Forrest Gump
(1994)
Run Forrest
19 November 2021
More than adaptation , it is a visual parable. About vulnerability and its magnificent potential. About innocence and its importance to discover the real essence of life. About love, family, fight and courage. A film like a revolution. Because it propose the best manner to be yourself and to not be a victim walking on that way. More than story of Forrest Gump, it is the story of people around him. A film like a Rubick cube - many faces, each for complete right color. And a image who remains its mark - the box of chocolate, the run, the ping - pong match. It seems be the best role of Tom Hanks. In fact, it is definition of a new period after the Cold War. A pledge. About the small things.
The Bourne Identity
(2002)
Bourne to kill
19 November 2021
The Bourne Identity is a spy film that was loosely based on Robert Ludlum's novel of the same title. It stars Matt Damon as Jason Bourne, an amnesiac attempting to discover his true identity amidst a clandestine conspiracy within the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). It also stars Franka Potente, Chris Cooper, Clive Owen, Brian Cox and Julia Stiles. This film is the first in the Bourne film series, being followed by The Bourne Supremacy,and The Bourne Ultimatum. The fourth movie, The Bourne Legacy, is scheduled for release in July 2012. The film was directed by Doug Liman and adapted for the screen by Tony Gilroy and William Blake Herron.
The Bourne Identity starts as Jason Bourne,a barely alive amnesiac with a pair of bullet wounds in his back, pulled from the Mediterranean by Italian fishermen. Bourne's only clue to his own identity is a bank account number etched on a capsule implanted in his body. He quickly finds the Zurich bank where money, a gun, and a few identification documents await, but after he's pursued by security goons at the American consulate, Bourne realizes he can trust no one and offers a German gypsy named Marie ten thousand dollars for a ride to Paris. Encountering more professional killers bent on his destruction, Bourne discovers that he possesses a surprising degree of skill in combat, martial arts, and linguistics -- handy talents that clearly indicate his past includes work as a spy and assassin, but for whom? With Marie's reluctant help, Bourne edges closer to the truth, something CIA officials want concealed at all costs.
The Bourne Identity is not just an ordinary spy thriller. It is first- rate with grit and lots of intrigue. It is a movie that that showcases stunning visuals, great acting and a story that will keep you engaged and absorbed from start to finish. Matt Damon tries his best and delivers in his performance as Jason Bourne.
Overall,The Bourne Identity is an action film whose primary focus is on on character and interesting story.
The Bourne Identity starts as Jason Bourne,a barely alive amnesiac with a pair of bullet wounds in his back, pulled from the Mediterranean by Italian fishermen. Bourne's only clue to his own identity is a bank account number etched on a capsule implanted in his body. He quickly finds the Zurich bank where money, a gun, and a few identification documents await, but after he's pursued by security goons at the American consulate, Bourne realizes he can trust no one and offers a German gypsy named Marie ten thousand dollars for a ride to Paris. Encountering more professional killers bent on his destruction, Bourne discovers that he possesses a surprising degree of skill in combat, martial arts, and linguistics -- handy talents that clearly indicate his past includes work as a spy and assassin, but for whom? With Marie's reluctant help, Bourne edges closer to the truth, something CIA officials want concealed at all costs.
The Bourne Identity is not just an ordinary spy thriller. It is first- rate with grit and lots of intrigue. It is a movie that that showcases stunning visuals, great acting and a story that will keep you engaged and absorbed from start to finish. Matt Damon tries his best and delivers in his performance as Jason Bourne.
Overall,The Bourne Identity is an action film whose primary focus is on on character and interesting story.
Captain Phillips
(2013)
Great direction
19 November 2021
The movie is inspired by the American cargo ship called Maersk Alabama's hijacking that took place in 2009 on the eastern coast of Africa. For many who think it is similar to Danish movie 'A Hijacking' it is not. Both the movies are about Somalian pirates, but a totally different stories which were based on individual true events. One was very much realistic about ransom negotiation and the other one was a clean entertainer on the opposite.
Maersk Alabama is the first American ship to be hijacked in over 200 years. Tom Hanks as captain Richard Phillip was brilliant. He continues to give his performances on the variety of roles in his movies compared to any other actors. That is why he's one of the rare actors in all fine movies of his.
As a formality the movie begins with the story where the captain Phillips' journey commence from his residence in America. After he flee to Oman to take his ship back to his country, he encounters the threat from a small group of pirates. Once the ship was held by the Somalians pirates the series of incidents occurs before the captain is taken as a hostage in a lifeboat. Then after there's no drama, everything was remarkably shown in those crucial parts with a slightly drag in ending. But the tensions were very well captured and wonderfully exhibited to us.
With an excellent direction from the director of the Bourne movie series, this movie came in his another top-notch. The movie had plenty of thrilling scenes takes you to the edge of your seat. One of those segments where I got stunned was when the ship was being held by pirates and when navy approaches to the lifeboat. In those parts I just said, wow!. Now my eyes on Oscar, how many it will gain and lose is I must wait and watch.
Maersk Alabama is the first American ship to be hijacked in over 200 years. Tom Hanks as captain Richard Phillip was brilliant. He continues to give his performances on the variety of roles in his movies compared to any other actors. That is why he's one of the rare actors in all fine movies of his.
As a formality the movie begins with the story where the captain Phillips' journey commence from his residence in America. After he flee to Oman to take his ship back to his country, he encounters the threat from a small group of pirates. Once the ship was held by the Somalians pirates the series of incidents occurs before the captain is taken as a hostage in a lifeboat. Then after there's no drama, everything was remarkably shown in those crucial parts with a slightly drag in ending. But the tensions were very well captured and wonderfully exhibited to us.
With an excellent direction from the director of the Bourne movie series, this movie came in his another top-notch. The movie had plenty of thrilling scenes takes you to the edge of your seat. One of those segments where I got stunned was when the ship was being held by pirates and when navy approaches to the lifeboat. In those parts I just said, wow!. Now my eyes on Oscar, how many it will gain and lose is I must wait and watch.
Vengeance Is Mine
(2021)
Vengeance is sweet when juxtaposed
30 October 2021
This flick follows familiar plot patterns but then turns them on their head in that the hero, if he can be called that, is man who is in his 50s, cant fight, cant shoot BUT has a raging anger to reap vengeance.
When he attacks its messy, he cant aim right, when there is a knife fight its endless, when he shoots it goes really insane, yep I agree that its his fantasy/dream and he's imagining, but I LOVED THAT JUXTAPOSITION because it leaves you to muse , is it real or is it imagined or is it both ?
When he attacks its messy, he cant aim right, when there is a knife fight its endless, when he shoots it goes really insane, yep I agree that its his fantasy/dream and he's imagining, but I LOVED THAT JUXTAPOSITION because it leaves you to muse , is it real or is it imagined or is it both ?
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