deanocware Reviews

The Terminal List (2022– )

Stone Cold Good!

[8/10 · 16 September 2022]

Terminal List is about a special ops mission gone bad and the commander and lone survivor's mission to find out why and who was behind it. While Chris Pratt never quite sells me as a top tier DevGru operator he more than delivers as James Reece a navy seal commander determined to avenge the death of his family and team. The action is solid and the writing is smart. Just when you think he won't do that, he does. When you feel they won't kill that character, they do. And when you say it can't be her or him, it is! Episodes one and two start out a bit slow but by episode three I binged the next five shows in one night! You will find yourself silently cheering him on and hoping he finishes what he started, and he does! The leaves you feeling both proud and sad on many levels but more than anything it also leaves you feeling satisfied!

Star Trek: Strange New Worlds (2022– )

I Used To Like it!

[5/10 · 13 May 2022]

After a very promising debut episode I was very overly optimistic and gave this series 8 stars but having just finished episode 8 I am getting wore out by the constant but subtle LGBTQ and Gender Identity nods in the last three episodes. On top of that a lot of the character meshing I had to see developed by now has failed to materialize as each episode is centered around one particular cast member rather than the crew as a whole. Theses types of character profiles would be understandable and even welcome in a season two or three (a la Deep Space Nine) but eight episodes into season one they have me wondering is the show about the crew or about their journeys because so far it's been almost all of the former and very little of the latter. I'm not pulling the plug yet as I am willing to give the writers some space to set the table for some long term memorable adventures but if next season starts out with more woke virtue signals and soap opera episodes I'm canceling my subscription and moving on. Sadly I am starting to think I may have to accept that the original Star Trek is never coming back again in any form and it's time to surrender the franchise to those who expect and accept this kind of "entertainment".

Eleven (2018)

This is not a War Movie

[5/10 · 7 August 2021]

This is a war "story" that revolves around the last day of fighting in the world war one. The story follows a small squad of British soldiers who are ordered to make one less attack hours before the war ends. The few battle scenes you see in this movie or rather pathetic. There is never more than six guys shown on the screen at any one time and when someone is hit you often don't even see where the shot came from or who fired it. As for the story it centers around a sergeant named Archibald Jones Who daydreams about returning to his wife and newborn daughter. He is wounded by a sniper during one of the last battles and even though the wound appears minor end up hospitalized in France after everyone else has presumably returned home. A German soldier who he met on the last day of fighting briefly best friend him before he passes away and the soldier sends a letter home to his grieving widow. From there the same skips to his daughter at the ripe old age of 100 making one last visit to his grave. That's the whole movie. That's it. Nothing else of any significance occurs throughout the movie. There are A few scenes of brief but touching dialogue as well as some cut scenes of an imbecile British general who orders the last attack while playing with toy soldiers. All in all the editing was pretty bad, the piece was off, the story was discombobulated, and you never Cue understand exactly what you were watching at any given time. Watching this movie gave me the impression that the creators and producers wanted to do too much and simply did not have the budget or the talent to pull it off.

Deep Space (2018)

Half way decent

[4/10 · 6 August 2021]

Space Force Battlefront is a dollar store orphan of a sci fi movie that has a half decent plot, some have decent acting, half decent visuals, a half decent storyline, half decent characters and a total waste of time. You have a captain that no one listens to, a science officer who wants to make first contact even if it cost everyone their lives, a wanna be hot shot female pilot whose best maneuver is crashing her ships, and a bunch of other characters who would have got more screen time if they had taken turns doing the voice of the A. I. on the ships. All I can say after wasting an hour and 13 minutes watching this is if this was supposed to be a television series, I am extremely grateful that it was never made.

The Tomorrow War (2021)

Could of liked it more

[6/10 · 2 July 2021]

I really wanted to like the tomorrow war with Chris Pratt and after seeing the trailer I was very excited to see this movie. However despite some decent visuals the movie simply never climaxed or gave me the experience I was hoping to get out of it. First of all we see very little of The war and a great majority of the film is simply dialogue's and locations. However what really destroyed my suspension of unbelief was all of the plot holes in the story. In fact it seems like there were so many that they simply gave up on trying to even maintain any consistency whatsoever. First of all The writer would have you believe that Chris Pratt and his wife are the first two human beings to figure out that the aliens that they are fighting in the future could have actually of arrived on earth much earlier. Secondly when they need a top scientist to explain how volcanic ash was found on the claw of an alien from the future the only one they can thing to go to is a high school kid. Third when Chris Pratt character tells the Defense Secretary what he has learned in the future that can defeat the aliens the defense secretary indicates he cannot authorize a mission that might save all human kind with "taxpayer dollars". Finally, the movie seems to have this big happy ending with Chris Pratt saying he is not going to leave his family but apparently forgets that previously they indicated that he dies seven years in the future. This of course would change the future which apparently they indicated earlier in the film they could not do and which is why only people who had already died could go and fight the aliens in the future and only young people who had not been born yet could come back in the past and recruit them. So like I said it seems like at some point they just gave up and said they didn't care anymore about any kind of internal consistency. However all of that could be forgiven if it was an exciting in a tense sci-fi alien thriller. Unfortunately it was not the aliens are not particularly scary and while the extras in the movie can never seem to kill one alien no matter how many bullets they fire the main characters somehow can always survive huge packs of them and take one down at just the right moment. If you are looking for a new aliens or predator franchise I regret to tell you this is not it. Instead think Battle for Los Angeles with a futuristic twist.

The Last Rescue (2015)

Good for What It Is

[5/10 · 9 June 2021]

I remember watching this movie and while it gets off to a somewhat slow start and the actors and actresses are slow to grow on you in the end they actually do. I would call this more of a World War Two vignette than an actual war movie nonetheless I thought it was an enjoyable way to spend 90 minutes although I will admit I am somewhat of a World War II buff. That being said I would not call this a low budget but I would also not call it a feature film. The props are decent, the locale is plausible and the acting is above average.

Appleseed Alpha (2014)

I liked it

[8/10 · 21 May 2021]

I do not watch a lot of anime but I really enjoyed this movie. I liked it. No sex, no gore, no cursing, and a lot of action with a reaffirming message. You can read the plot to see what the movie is about, but if you simply want to put on something different and enjoy watching it, and feel good after it is over then I recommend Appleseed Alpha.

Beyond the Trek (2017)

They already had the cure all they needed was the disease

[7/10 · 18 May 2021]

This movie is almost eerily relevant in light of Covid.

The Ash Lad: In Search of the Golden Castle (2019)

What Fantasy Used To Be

[7/10 · 17 May 2021]

If you ever find yourself longing for what fantasy used to be then do yourself a favor and watch the Ash Lad series. Unlike a lot of the fantasy today that emphasizes the dark and the horrific this series is fun, wholesome, adventurous and clean. The special effects well done and traditional in the vein of movies such as labyrinth and the never ending story. The settings are quite beautiful and in some instances breathtaking and I am sure account for a majority of whatever budget they have to make these films as they do not cut corners with the beautiful locations they film in. But the best thing about the series by far are the main characters Espen and Kristin. In one of my favorite scenes Kristen ask Espen why he is always so optimistic and he simply smiles and says because I have faith - you should try it sometimes. In this particular film they both set out to find a golden castle and a fountain containing the water of life in order to revive Kristin's parents, the king and queen, who have been poisoned and to save Espen's brothers who have been falsely accused. Along the way they are both helped and hindered by many fantastic characters and creatures of lore and fairytale. Not to mention a few useful items that Espen has a tendency of just picking up!

Shelter (I) (2014)

No chemistry at all

[4/10 · 16 May 2021]

I'm sorry but Mackie and Connor have absolutely no chemistry in this movie and for what it's supposed to be - an expose on homelessness and human redemption - it turns out to be a rushed loved story set against a depressing back drop of homelessness in New York. If that sounds interesting to you then watch it - otherwise just watch a documentary on homelessness.

Triple Threat (2019)

How fat has Michael Jai White Got!

[5/10 · 16 May 2021]

This guy looks like he gets paid in Twinkies. He must of went to the Steven Segal school of acting. Make one or two good movies, hit the buffet and then let stunt men and doubles do all your work. This from the guy who once said he could beat Bruce Lee because he was bigger than him. Of course I called bs on this but now looking at his fat yoda rendition I might have to agree...that is if Bruce was trying to take a sandwich out of his hand. Oh yeah the movie was ok. I couldn't get to sleep anyway. Your typical Chinese funded propaganda flick.

The Legend of Tomiris (2019)

Not just another warrior princess

[8/10 · 9 May 2021]

I will say I hesitated quite a bit before watching this movie largely because I have become very tired of all of the Hollywood warrior princess movies out there today. And the last thing I wanted to see was another invincible woman killing all the imbecile "bad men". However after reading some of the more credible reviews on IMDb I decided to give this a chance. And I am very glad I did. This movie is not so much about a woman warrior as it is about a woman leader and her peoples way of life. Yes Tomiris is portrayed as a fierce fighter but that is not what the movie is about instead there are a lot of great male leads in this film who carry a lot of the action. What I enjoyed most about this movie, other than learning about a small piece of history I did not know or I had simply overlooked, was the way the Director and producers made the film without engaging in any gratuitous sex, gratuitous violence, or gratuitous profanity. This is what historical movies used to be about and I really hope we see more. Unfortunately I regret that I do not have any expectations of seeing a movie like this made in the USA by an American studio. So I felt a duty to spread the word. You can find quality "inclusive" films if you look hard enough and take some time to do your homework.

Savage Dog (2017)

One of Scott Adkins Better Movies

[6/10 · 7 May 2021]

Savage dog tells the story of an imprisoned Irish Republican army fugitive who is forced to fight pit fights in Burma by an ex Nazi SS officer and his troop of rogue French foreign Legion soldiers. The story follows the typical American/western fighter has to fight his way to freedom, only to have to fight again to keep his freedom and do what he should have done in the first place. That being said the acting is fairly good and the narration by Keith David is a very nice touch. Some elements of the movie were rushed and the ending was kind of drawn out but overall there were some good fight scenes, a good story, and some good actors. If you like Scott Adkins you'll definitely like Savage dog.

He Knows My Name (2015)

A Beautiful Anecdote of Our Savior

[8/10 · 29 March 2021]

He Knows My Name is one in a series of well written, faithfully presented anecdotal Christian stories about unwritten encounters people must of had with Jesus Christ but are not recorded in the Gospels. What they all share in common is His encounters with children. If you have ever wondered what the rest of Jesus' life must have been like you owe it to yourself to watch this movie. John 20:30.

Crown Vic (2019)

Rough Men Ready to do Violence

[7/10 · 29 March 2021]

If you like cop movies you will enjoy crown vic. Building on the cinematic legacy of movies like Training Day Crown Vic condenses 25 years of policing LA in a squad car into one unforgettable night. No one thinking about being a cop after watching this movie will still want to be one. But anyone who thinks they could police the under belly of a modern American city like LA would still believe that after watching this. As a social commentary Crown Vic doesn't say much but a picture is worth a thousand words. Just watch it.

Iron Mask (2019)

A family fun historical fantasy

[7/10 · 10 March 2021]

This is a sequel to the very enjoyable Forbidden Empire but this time starring Jackie Chan and Arnold Schwarzenger. The story revolves around an Asian princess trying to recover a emblem that will allow her to make her rifle claim to the throne and control the dragon that looks over their land. It is a classic high adventure and hijinks type of family entertainment. No blood. no sex. No cursing. That alone would make it worth watching but seeing all of the elaborate sets and CGI special effects was a real nice change of pace. The only critique I have of the movie and why I did not read it higher is by adding Jackie Chan and Arnold Schwarzenegger the star of the series, a Sherlock Holmes type of cartographer, got very little time on screen and that was disappointing. But overall it was what I thought it would be although I will admit it was not as enjoyable as the first movie and if you have not seen the first movie then you might read this one a little lower than I have.

The Secret of Kells (2009)

Enter A world you will never want to leave

[8/10 · 1 March 2021]

This movie is a beautiful tapestry of celtic myth and Christian devotion. In this story the two come together to bring light where there is darkness. Watch it and believe our world can be a better place and even in the darkest times a light will arise. God Bless.

Snowfall (2017–2023)

Where Boyz N the Hood Left Off

[8/10 · 10 February 2021]

John Singleton's Snowfall picks up where Boyz n the Hood left off with a powerful 80's drama about a young, black Franklin Saint who goes from selling weed to the most powerful crack cocaine dealer in South Central L.A.. Crack has emerged as the cheapest and most addictive drug in L.A. and Franklin Saint uses it to turn a nickle bag weed operation run by his old school big perm wearing uncle into a cocaine empire fueling the CIA COINTEL PRO operation in Nicaragua. Having grew up in the 80's this series was not only binge worthy but an enjoyable trip down memory lane from the chuck converse, el debarge, roller skating, izod and the olympics. Besides from the obligatory and gratuitous sex, lesbianism and transgender stuff the series delivers.

Into the Ashes (2019)

Five stars feels about right

[5/10 · 26 January 2021]

Into the ashes is a film about a man who retires from a unknown criminal life and marries only for his past partners in crime to locate him and take revenge on him and his wife. The rest of the movie is about him catching up with them and paying them back. What it is supposed to be about is a man who tries to escape his past but is drawn back into it by the men he used to consider to be his family. And thereby forcing him to deal with them once and for all like he should have done before he tried to escape. Throughout the movie you get the sense that he knew that they would be coming back and could never quite be at peace or feel at ease until eventually his worst nightmare comes true. The problem with the movie is we have no idea what his past criminal life consisted of, we have no ideal of why he left, we have no idea of why they felt betrayed, we have no idea of why they consider themselves to be a family, and we have no ideal why we should care! Luke Grimes pretty much carries the entire movie himself juxtaposed against a clueless sheriff, an idiot friend and some comic book character villains. That being said the movie runs fairly quickly and gets to the end without a lot of unnecessary detours.

The Tax Collector (2020)

Well acted if not necessarily well plotted

[5/10 · 26 January 2021]

I decided to watch the tax Collector primarily to see Shia LaBeouf who I have enjoyed in some movies when he plays the antagonist. This is a movie about two men who are tasked with collecting the cut that is owed to the big boss of the local Los Angeles gangs. Shia LaBeouf plays what is meant to be the ruthless enforcer who makes sure that everyone pays what they are supposed to pay. Unfortunately I believe the role was just a little too much for Shia LaBeouf to pull off. Not only does he never really seem all that intimidating but he never really does anything in the movie to try and convince you. In fact I cannot recall him executing anyone other than in the initial flashbacks. So again I think the movie suffered from some of the plotting where you want to portray this guy as a cruel enforcer who really never does anything but get killed. That being said I thought the premise was fairly plausible and the actors in general did a good job of trying to act out the story. I just kept waiting for Shia LaBeouf to do his thing and it just never happened. This is not Breaking Bad. But it's not terrible either.

Platoon Leader (1988)

Welcome Back to the Country Club

[6/10 · 23 January 2021]

Unlike all of the Sundance film Festival critics on IMDb who give everything a one that isn't Star Wars or Rocky, I felt this was a very genuine and realistic look at a small platoon in Vietnam. Not only was the scope of the movie fairly accurate for what a platoon would have been tasked with doing in Vietnam but I believe everyone in the film played their role well. Obviously there were some tropes and stereotypes but that is an any movie to lend it dramatic affect. If you want to watch a fairly straightforward but nonetheless poignant film about being a soldier in Vietnam then I would recommend the movie. If you want to watch a cinematic masterpiece that only uses Vietnam as a backdrop then just go watch Apocalypse Now.

Dog Eat Dog (I) (2016)

A disgusting pulp fiction wannabe

[1/10 · 21 January 2021]

From the crazed pcp opening scene to the utterly abhorrent and disgusting murder of a lady and her teenage daughter by one of the leading men no less this movie just incensed me. What made it worse was the movie played a "whoo hoo" up beat abbot and costello like theme song while he was doing as if we were supposed to "laugh" and say that was "cool". No. It was sick and I turned it off straight way. Any reviewer who "enjoys" this movie has more in common with a serial killer than any of us so take that in mind when reading their review.

Slippin': Ten Years with the Bloods (2005)

Less documentary more of a retrospective

[6/10 · 18 January 2021]

Slippin explores the lives of members of the Rolling 20's Blood gang in L.A.. less of a documentary and more of a retrospective the movie does not actually span 10 years. Instead most of the events portrayed in the movie occur between the years 1992 and 1993. Toward the very end of the movie they jumped to 2003 to show where most of the main characters in the film have ended up in their lives. The movie as most reviewer's have mentioned does not glorify violence but it still quite poignant in its candor about the death and violence that accompany gang life. The footage we see in this film is quite remarkable in how close and intimate...and candid the documenter and film crew get. I enjoyed it for this aspect if nothing else. Maybe for others who live this life it will cause them to look inward and reassess what they really hope to get out of all of it.

No Ordinary Shepherd (2014 Video)

Will Warm Your Heart and Inspire Your Soul

[10/10 · 13 January 2021]

This movie tales the tell of the son of one of the shepherds who visited Christ the child. It is later in the young man's life after his father has died in an accident and he has been left crippled. While tending to sheep on the anniversary of our saviors birth he reflects on his fathers stories of that night and dreams of one day meeting the man Jesus who even now is going about Jerusalem healing and preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God. Alone in a cave while he waits to pass the night watching over his flock he meets a visitor. The story is narrated in the young child's voice and said in scenes of pastoral bands with beautiful sunsets and mountain backdrop. The acting is restrained but graceful. Punctuated by the humble but powerful presence of the actor playing Jesus Christ. His late night visit and conversation with this young crippled shepherd will chill your body but warm your soul. I have watched it three times already on Redeem TV and it is one of my favorite programs to watch at night when I cannot get to sleep. I was going to give this movie a nine out of 10 but I could not think of one thing I would change about the production so in my book that's a 10. even if you do not usually enjoy Christian movies this is simply a beautiful story that you can enjoy over and over again alone or with your family.

Close Range (2015)

Pretty lazy movie

[5/10 · 9 January 2021]

Scott Adkins is hit and miss and this was mostly miss. Filmed at basically two locations a hotel and a ranch and it showed. Everything was intentionally dragged out from the less than interesting fight scenes to the never ending gun battle where neither side hits anybody on the other side for the first ten minutes. The plot purports to be about him saving his niece but inexplicably changes to an all important thumb drive with no one really caring about either. I gave it a five because the actors did what they were asked to do but that's not saying much.