don-damon Reviews

The Beekeeper (2024)

Body Count +++

[7/10 · 3 February 2024]

Oh yeah, Jason is killing them again on the big screen. 'bout time! His last couple of films were okay, but nothing like this one. Kind of like John Wick series. I would love to see a sequel to this one, like he did for "The Mechanic". Other actors in this film, ehhh! Not so great. Agent Verona Parker maybe could have done without her. Didn't add much to the plot. The whole story line is a bit exaggerated with the POTUS being involved in the son's illicit gains. Don't think that was too smart of role selection. Would have rather seen a very high up CIA director involved in the scam, since they were using the software this scum was buying. Overall lots of action and lots of killing. I enjoyed the whole thing.

Waiting for the Barbarians (2019)

Who is the real Barbarian

[8/10 · 14 January 2024]

This is a movie that delves deeply into the soul. Mark Rylance does an impressive job of showing how much mankind has turned into the savage that we strive as a "civilized" world tend to miss.

Johnny Depp, really nails the heartless, zombie that his character demonstrates. Who is the Barbarian? This could have been a story of the Russian Empire before the Communist took over. Elitist attitudes, such that. Robert Pattinson portrays. I wanted to slap his smug face, but that would be barbaric too. The Asian girl, shows the inhumanity of her captors, but slowly knows that the Magistrate is trying to help her. It's a life lesson. When you are in someone else's country, you are the guest and should respect them.

I would highly recommend this thoughtful film. Don't look at from an invaders perspective, but as a place that has felt civilization turn on them.

Butcher's Crossing (2022)

Buffalo Hunting...in the 1800s

[7/10 · 31 October 2023]

A lot of folks are making some statements that could be misunderstood by most. Buffalo hunting in 1800s was a very lucrative occupation for someone who had nothing. So, I'm taking it out of realm of "OMG" and putting into a perspective of the hunters. They did make a lot of money in their time for these hides. And there was in our perspective a lot of waist. But it was a living. If it could have been avoided, there might have been something else that was equally as distasteful. That was the old west, and people have take that into consideration.

Find something else to beat down or complain.00.

Fair Play (2023)

Real Life...more than you know.

[7/10 · 10 October 2023]

At the beginning, I thought was going to be one of Dick and Jane stories.

Since I worked so many years in the back office of a Retail Bank, I saw this kind of stuff going on all the time. I found the woman and man relationship was doomed from the beginning. The rules " You can't have a sexual relationship with a work mate." It just never works. Luke gets suspicious of his fiance~ and the whole thing just goes south. It is a life lesson. I never stepped over that line, in the 13 years I worked there. I was so glad that after thirteen years whit the Bank, it was sold, I was at last free to move on and be my own man.

Hawkeye (2021)

Not a Marvel...but Okay.

[6/10 · 8 December 2021]

I've seen.4 episodes so far. It's okay but not quite on the same level as the Marvel Movies. Jeremy Renner is a favorite of mine since he did Bourne Legacy. But he now 50 years old and it's starting to show. He might have gotten a little bit to much...everything, and it starting to show. Hawkeye the series is a nice diversion during the holidays but it got to pick up the pace going forward. Hailee Steinfeld is little annoying with her chatter and coy persona. Maybe if she would have been a Marvel movie she might have gotten the feel of this genre a little better. I hope this series works out the bugs before the ending of the season, shortly after Christmas. Spin offs are tough sometimes to digest, because we always expect something more from the characters. I hope Jeremy knows that I'm giving constructive criticism, and it's not that I don't think he has the chops to be a lead actor, but he better get a hold of his physique pretty darn soon, or he'll turn into a Bruce Willis.

Lost in Space (2018–2021)

No more reboots....

[3/10 · 10 August 2021]

So, here's my rant about this series. Why call it "LOST IN SPACE" call it something else. How about just plain "LOST"? Anyone who has ever watched the ORIGINAL series is probably gagging on this one. WHY? They, the writers, have taken a perfectly good series from 1965-1968 and made it completely senseless. Okay it's already run for 2 seasons as of 2020, but it's just not the same and I wish they would stop trying to do something better. It's only better if it's original and this definitely is not that. If you're a millennial you might, might, like this, because you have never been exposed to the original. To all those writers for TV series out there, STOP and think about it before you start trying to re-invent the wheel. It will never ever be as good as the original.

Out of Death (2021)

Die Hard...not

[2/10 · 8 August 2021]

What the hell is wrong with Willis? Is he so mentally challenged that he can't see that the movies he's making are DOGS. The whole premise of the film was lame, a child could see that. And the acting, or lack there of, is hopeless. Willis should just retire and forget movies, it's not his best or even worse film in the last 5 years....maybe longer.

The Ice Road (2021)

Ice Road Truckers on steroids...

[8/10 · 27 June 2021]

For me, Liam Neeson, has always been that guy from Ireland, that get's the job done. The story line for this latest adventure is somewhat typical, but it does have it's moments. It had all the elements to keep it interesting. Lots of action, suspense, danger, and that "ah gee" moments too. I really did like this one. Even though I've seen about.25 movies with Neeson, he never fails to get you behind him and root for him.

Old fashioned hero stuff. I like it. New actors and some old ones too, made this a very worth while film to watch on a Saturday night.

Neeson is starting to show his age, but I guess that's what makes him a super star, in my book.

Attraction to Paris (2021)

Unbelievable ...really

[4/10 · 2 June 2021]

Okay, we have a young girl, traveling in Paris, and meets 3 other "kids" on the street and hooked into partying with them the same night she arrives. Meanwhile, there is a terrorist dude that is building a bomb in the next room. The kids come back and are drunk and start doing "lines'.

So the next part is where everything goes a bit weird. Not going to say much about what comes next but...there is a lot of holes in the plot. The acting is so, so. Kind of canned dialog. The action parts are highly rehearsed and not quite believable. Maybe they should have gotten Bruce Willis to play Atkin's part. As for Atkin's he should maybe stick with his main job of Outdoor Sports gear. Acting has passed him by, and he looks very aged. Maybe should have stayed out of the sun.

If you want to kill a couple of hours and have Netflix you could snooze through this one. The photography and the city were well done. Story has potential but has become somewhat cliche.

Wrath of Man (2021)

Where's the Action?

[5/10 · 26 May 2021]

I had been waiting for several months to see the latest movie from Jason Statham. I was expecting the flourishes of hand to hand combat, and all out beat the hell out of the bad guys. Turns out, it didn't really happen. Very slow and methodical. It was kind of predictable and routine. Not the action hero I've been used to. I like Jason, he's a solid actor, but the whole premise of the film was weak. I'm sure Guy Ritchie is fine director, but this one fell a little flat. Scott Eastwood too, was not, as he usually portrays, maybe they should have gotten someone else to play the "rebel" soldier. The back and forth on the plot was confusing as well, even though they told you they were 3 or 6 or 2 months earlier, it just didn't flow naturally. Maybe looking to draw the film out to it's. Full 1 hour and 58 minutes. Probably, could have been done 1 hour and 30 minutes. Guy Ritchie and Jason Statham have another collaboration coming out soon, hopefully, this one packs some punch and gets the message across. However, for all and all, this film scored mediocre with me. Others may feel more pro, but that's just how I saw it.

The Circle (I) (2017)

Another KnockOff

[3/10 · 25 May 2021]

It's a shame this film didn't open up better concepts. It looks similar to "AntiTrust" 2001, with Tim Robbins (Tom Hanks). No new ideas coming from Hollywood. Somebody needs to shake things up in the Hollywood writers guild. They have no new ideas. Everything is regurgitated into mush.

Assassination Tango (2002)

Classic Duvall

[7/10 · 5 May 2021]

I've seen this film several times, and each time I get a different look at how this movie plays out. The story is a little weak, but the dancing and romance part is so, romantic. The playing with his idol and their little banter in the coffee scene is cute. I think the assassination part was more of an after thought rather than the main idea of the film. Not real happy with the ending. Duvall is a classic now hovering over 90+ and still doing films. You have to admire that.

Top Gunner (2020)

Not another knock off!

[1/10 · 28 April 2021]

Do actors have any sense of integrity any more? Apparently not. Eric Roberts, had a up and coming future. What happened? He succumbed to GREED. He will never be a top star and he will never be filthy rich. His sister has more sense to stay away from these remakes and knockoffs. Anyway the movie itself is poor and and does not have all the bells and whistles that even the original TOP GUN had back in the 80s and certainly not even close to the upcoming TOP GUN 2. Cheesy and meritless. I would say, not worth the time or effort to sit through this.

Kung Fu (2021–2023)

Not your mother's rice bowl

[2/10 · 16 April 2021]

As per the majority of the reviewers here, they should never have messed with a cult classic. I watched all of the David Carradine "Kung Fu" episodes back in the '70s it was a believable series that had a plot. Anytime you start trying to do the same thing, but "updated" it usually falls flat. I haven't actually seen a series that works from a reboot. They would have been better off with trying to do an update of "Broken Trail" or."The Joy Luck Club". These were movies that could be expanded in a series. I think there should more Asian presence in Television. But I said before, it's not your mother's rice bowl.

The Courier (2019)

Olga... Oldman

[5/10 · 13 April 2021]

These are the only thing that drew me in to watch this thriller. Okay the story line is weak. But fortunately, Olga makes it work to some degree. Oldman was just there for the obvious "bad guy" effect. Which was loosely played. The daughter character was hot, but not very believable. But over all it was fun to watch and exciting in some places. So 5 stars for me.

Cosmic Sin (2021)

Possibly the worst Sci-Fi for Willis.

[3/10 · 5 March 2021]

Granted, Willis is a star, but his shine is fading, and it's very obvious. This movie would have done much better without him. There were some young actors that show some promise. Willis said less than 50 words throughout the entire film. How can you justify, paying this guy a ton of money for a nothing part. They could have hired someone coming up that could have filled the space. Willis is one of my favorites, and like John Wayne, loved him but just doesn't hit the screen with that POP. I would much rather see Willis doing more drama, romance films, maybe. He really looked tired in this as well. Give him an early retirement. Go fishing Bruce, and leave the movie business to the new kids.

The Twilight Zone (2019–2020)

Never mess the original...disappointing

[4/10 · 2 April 2019]

Okay, I watched the first couple of episodes... Just didn't hit that little grey spot in the center of my brain. I wasn't impressed for the language. Okay this is the 21st Century, but really, do we need to hear it all the time. The acting was Okay. The story a little weak.I'm not really sure if this is one of those shows I want continue with. To be honest I will wait till the season is over and then binge watch it all at one time. Then maybe I will get it. There will never be another Rod Serling. RIP. I watched nearly every Twighlight Zone form the 60's and some of the newer ones in the 80's They always left you guessing and wondering ....what if. I would like to see more of that in the newer ones, if that's possible Get a good script writer.

Hunter Killer (2018)

Crimson Tide II

[8/10 · 20 January 2019]

Since the movie "Crimoson Tide" with D. Washington and G. Hackman, there hasn't been a really good submarine. I really enjoyed this one. I don't agree with all the negative reviews that have come in. It's a movie. I thought was good for what it represents. Okay, maybe not 100% believable, but all of the elements are there and well done. I like G. Butler, Common, and Gary Oldman. They did a nice job with all of the effects. I will probably watch this many more times. Not too many films lately that have come out, about the military, that have caught my eye more than this one. Just watch it for what it's worth. You'll enjoy, IF you don't over analyze it.

Mission of Honor (II) (2018)

Love War Movies especially Air Wars.

[9/10 · 8 September 2018]

As you can tell, I am a big fan of any war movie featuring aircraft, since I am an Air Force Retired Veteran. I just finished watching this film, and was really impressed with what they did to make this film work. At least it did for me. Some reviews were less than gracious, but I found it had all of the elements. Thrills, Drama, Conflict, Romance, and Flying the wings off a Hurricane. Britain seems to be out putting more of the war era films, which is their forte. Dunkirk, The Darkest Hour, etc. But Hurricane, really was a good film. Someone mentioned another movie called "Spitfire". I hope it's as good or maybe better. Either way bring on more of these films. I would also like to see a remake of "Sink the Bismark", a classic that could be improved on with color and sound.

Columbus (I) (2017)

Paint Drying....

[3/10 · 24 October 2017]

I read several of the reviews before seeing this film. John Cho is usually pretty good. He brings a kind of thoughtfulness to the role. However, as far as pace is concerned, I've seen paint dry faster than this movie.

Utterly one of those movies I might, or should have skipped. I can take some slow segments, but this was seriously slow. I never could get into the characters because of that.

The one positive was the architecture though. Very nice. I'm originally from the mid-west and can relate to the quiet, peaceful towns through out the region. Columbus might be one of those places you'd want to be buried at.

Summarizing this film, would be, slow. If you have 100 minutes to kill, this might be up your alley. Make sure you check your pulse from time to time.

The Last Ship (2014– )

Can you say....crapola

[3/10 · 25 September 2017]

It's hard to believe. So many of these shows loose their authenticity by showing stuff that would never happen. The Captain of the Ship never leads a boarding party, or goes to engineering to figure out why the turbines aren't turning. Sorry for the writers, and especially to the actors. It was kind of different, and I get there take on it, but it just pure horse crap. I would much rather see something more real to life. What would a real captain of a ship do. There are people on ships that are paid to do the dirty work. The captain is there to make sure it gets done.

Drone (I) (2017)

Little to do with Drones.

[2/10 · 26 May 2017]

A complete waist of 90 minutes of my time. Sean Beane and Patrick Sabongui were very good at trying to pull this one out of the fire.

The story like another reviewer mentioned is nothing new. They should have called it "Muslim Scare". OK maybe to harsh but it really had little to do with the Drone warfare practice the United States use against specific targets. Maybe should have use the working title of "Incursion". That would have been more inclusive of the drama of killing RITs.

The producers as well as the directors tried to make this seem more than what it was. Just not as entertaining as I was hoping for.

I was looking for something like the movie with Ethan Hawke "Good Kill". That movie gave you a better understanding and feel for the men/women who do the dirty work of the CIA.

Beautiful Blue Eyes (2009)

What Review???????

[5/10 · 16 July 2016]

So, now it is 2016, 7 years after the release of the last movie Roy Scheider ever made. People in Europe in 2009 got to see it. It has never been played on television, and it has never gone to DVD or any other media. WHY? I am appalled, and angry that this movie has not gained any recognition from any film studio. And as I have not seen this movie, I will probably never be able to enjoy the last film of a great actor. There used to be a link to the official website where you could actually find out the status of the film and DVD sale. But even that has gone away. What do you have to do to make sure this movie doesn't die somewhere in a close vault??? Mad as hell.

Jack Irish (2016–2021)

Great show from down under

[9/10 · 4 July 2016]

For an Australian crime show, this is by far the one of the best. I like Guy Pearce and the supporting cast. I started watching Jack Irish the movies versions last year. I was pleasantly surprised that they made it into a TV series. It is a great watch, because it is so not like any other show on television. I'm hoping for more, a second season and continue on from there. This is one television show that should be aired in the United States. It deserves a larger audience.

I am really in a kind of quite love affair with the Blackhawk that Pearce drives in the series. I just wonder how many are still running around the down-under continent? Australia has a knack for holding on to a lot of nostalgic artifacts of American origin or design. Even with the right hand drive.

Cheers Mates.

Ride (I) (2014)

Mad About....

[4/10 · 3 September 2015]

I began watching this movie because I really like Helen Hunt. After about the first 15 minutes, I thought I was watching a re-run of Mad About You. I'm not from New York, so I don't know if this is the way New Yorker's always talk, but I found it so annoying. The same formula that was used in the MAD ABOUT YOU again. Back then, it was cute, and funny, but after you here that same monotone critical voice it's like fingernails down a chalkboard. I'm sorry Helen, time to shake it out and try something else. Maybe, like one of the other contributors mentioned, stick with acting. Unfortunately, you can't go back, it just doesn't work anymore. I know she Helen Hunt had good intentions but I personally felt left out. Move to California, see how the other half lives and talks. There is another world outside of New York.