Heard it wasn't great, took a chance. Started out slow but just kept getting better as it went on. You know early on what kinda movie this is, weird humor, sketches and dialogue but there are several times I could not stop laughing. Even for how bad others may have roasted this movie, it was pleasantly enjoyable and funny. Could it have been better? Absolutely. But I think it would have been too much. As it was, you could tell there was this "trying too hard" through a lot of the movie. It worked for me most of the time, but I can see how it didn't for others. Not great but better than expected.
Reviews
105 Reviews
Best. Christmas. Ever!
(2023)
Unforgivably awful
29 November 2023
Easily Netflix's most inexpensive film yet. You can tell just how many corners they cut in their edit to just give us a fluffy movie that tries to hard to be like Elf and falls flat on its face.
The little boy in the film was the most entertaining part, because the acting from the adults just didn't cut it. You would think Biggs and Graham, who were the 90s names of teenage comedies, would have some sort of chemistry but they did not.
Graham, who looks a lot like Michelle Pfeiffer and Madonna now, is reminiscent of Charlotte from Sex in the City here and perhaps Kristin Davis would have been a better choice to cast for her part. Norwood was okay, but as soon as she spoke, I just wanted Awkwafina for her part.
This was about a 2.5 or 3 out of 5 until the last 20 minutes. The film just got overly cheesy and defied too much logic.
The little boy in the film was the most entertaining part, because the acting from the adults just didn't cut it. You would think Biggs and Graham, who were the 90s names of teenage comedies, would have some sort of chemistry but they did not.
Graham, who looks a lot like Michelle Pfeiffer and Madonna now, is reminiscent of Charlotte from Sex in the City here and perhaps Kristin Davis would have been a better choice to cast for her part. Norwood was okay, but as soon as she spoke, I just wanted Awkwafina for her part.
This was about a 2.5 or 3 out of 5 until the last 20 minutes. The film just got overly cheesy and defied too much logic.
1BR
(2019)
Slow paced thriller
22 November 2023
One of the slowest thrillers I've seen. It was edited like a hallmark movie and had so-so acting. The action in the finale was fun, but the choreography seemed not well rehearsed, though the sound design helped with that. I was mostly disappointed with this film for being too slow in the first half. It's really different from most films, but I think the story would be more interesting with rewrites.
I had been following its cinderella story on how it was made and released these last few years and I'm amazed at how the life of this movie came to be. It's a shame I didn't like it more. It doesn't suck if you want something different, but it's not quite as good as I was led to think.
I had been following its cinderella story on how it was made and released these last few years and I'm amazed at how the life of this movie came to be. It's a shame I didn't like it more. It doesn't suck if you want something different, but it's not quite as good as I was led to think.
Five Nights at Freddy's
(2023)
Weird dialogue and too many plot holes
28 October 2023
It started out pretty good, it had me hooked or so I thought. I was able to forgive some early plot holes in the movie, but they just kept coming. Don't get me wrong here this much more entertaining to watch than a mute Nicholas Cage in Willy's Wonderland but overall it still falls flat.
It's like Toy Story meets Saw with poor writing. The humans in this movie said and did things that made their characters not believable as real people. Performances weren't even bad, which is impressive considering the actors did not have much to work with.
Had the beginning been worse, I would have not been so disappointed with the finale.
It's like Toy Story meets Saw with poor writing. The humans in this movie said and did things that made their characters not believable as real people. Performances weren't even bad, which is impressive considering the actors did not have much to work with.
Had the beginning been worse, I would have not been so disappointed with the finale.
To Fall in Love
(2023)
I fell in love
20 October 2023
Drama is not my go to genre, especially for indies because it is almost always a miss due to poor casting. But this was not that. I tried to find things wrong. I could not. The performances and chemistry from Gallagher and Casalini was so authentic and natural that I felt like I was a third wheel, tagging along for the entirety of the story.
Getting to know this former couple's backstory was so raw and emotional, something I didn't know I needed. It's a stage play that relies on dialogue and the actors live in their characters. Foster's direction and Lane's writing take ahold of you, especially in the second half. As with any indie film, there were a few minor technicalities but nothing that pulled me out of the story.
Performances and storytelling don't miss a beat in this film about two people attempting to work things out. Recommended for anyone who's ever loved and lost.
Getting to know this former couple's backstory was so raw and emotional, something I didn't know I needed. It's a stage play that relies on dialogue and the actors live in their characters. Foster's direction and Lane's writing take ahold of you, especially in the second half. As with any indie film, there were a few minor technicalities but nothing that pulled me out of the story.
Performances and storytelling don't miss a beat in this film about two people attempting to work things out. Recommended for anyone who's ever loved and lost.
Ronald's Little Factory
(2023)
It's a really interesting concept
16 October 2023
Caught this film in the company of the director Bokovoy. I found it amusing, especially the beginning of the film which slides from a near SNL skit into a darker, and more serious mood. The topic of the story is quite unique and a film like this requires a very specific audience.
What I liked the most was the setup, brought on by authentic editing which really capture the tone of the situation very well. The story was well told, though the acting of some of the characters felt disconnected at times. But the cheesy parts are forgivable because hey, it's a horror comedy. Don't take this film too seriously now.
It's not entirely my type of film, but Ronald's Little Factory rises above the indie film schlock popping up around the world because there is a clear passion to its inspiration. Could it have been better? Sure. But for a first time feature filmmaker, it does wonders that many others still fail at after numerous attempts.
What I liked the most was the setup, brought on by authentic editing which really capture the tone of the situation very well. The story was well told, though the acting of some of the characters felt disconnected at times. But the cheesy parts are forgivable because hey, it's a horror comedy. Don't take this film too seriously now.
It's not entirely my type of film, but Ronald's Little Factory rises above the indie film schlock popping up around the world because there is a clear passion to its inspiration. Could it have been better? Sure. But for a first time feature filmmaker, it does wonders that many others still fail at after numerous attempts.
Men
(2022)
Really good
19 August 2023
This movie was really well done. The ending overall was a bit of a stretch into pretentious territory, but it didn't bother me that much. I was concerned for how good the first half was, that the second half may be a downer. It did drag throughout, but not too much.
It had some of the most impressive body horror effects I've seen since Lovecraft Country. I remember watching Saint Maud, which I didn't really like that much, and wanted everything in it that I got from Men. Men is a psychological film more than anything else, but I found it easier to connect with and understand than other films done in a similar way.
It had some of the most impressive body horror effects I've seen since Lovecraft Country. I remember watching Saint Maud, which I didn't really like that much, and wanted everything in it that I got from Men. Men is a psychological film more than anything else, but I found it easier to connect with and understand than other films done in a similar way.
The Beanie Bubble
(2023)
Fun throwback
17 August 2023
It was a nostalgic trip down memory lane, reminding me of the beanie baby craze my own mother went through. The cast was great and the story had a lot of focus on women empowerment, or lack there of, which is a great message to keep at the forefront of our society. There were a bit too many time jumps, back and forth, forth and back, and so on for my liking though.
Not Galifianakis' best role, but a memorable one because he looked like a young John Goodman without his traditional beard. It actually made me wonder if he was paid more or less to lose it for this movie. It's a bit long but the performances keep you into it.
Not Galifianakis' best role, but a memorable one because he looked like a young John Goodman without his traditional beard. It actually made me wonder if he was paid more or less to lose it for this movie. It's a bit long but the performances keep you into it.
Bodies Bodies Bodies
(2022)
Pretty good and original
13 August 2023
A simple, yet unpredictable movie setup like a typical slasher. This movie is a well scripted guessing game in whodunit fashion. Bakalova isn't quite as charming as she is in Borat, but she has dramatic performance in her blood. I found the costume design done remarkably well. After exposing that Davidson's character doesn't have tattoos, production found it in their budget to have some bath robes and hoodies in their wardrobe.
I probably would've liked this movie more with a lower budget. It's impressively written but I think it would be a hit or miss with the casual audiences with expectations who see a movie like this.
I probably would've liked this movie more with a lower budget. It's impressively written but I think it would be a hit or miss with the casual audiences with expectations who see a movie like this.
Baby's Day Out
(1994)
A simple movie that needed more rewrites.
27 July 2023
I used to watch this movie growing up as a kid. Rewatching now that I'm a parent and it's absurd how poor the story is setup. Unlikable parents trying to exploit their child so they can brag to their friends. Then you have three boneheads that are equally terrible, though this part seems intentional at least.
Ferris Bueller's Day Off meets the Home Alone and Hocus Pocus movies and Honey, I Shrunk the Kids. The only totally positive thing about this movie, and honestly saves it from the negative realm, is seeing full grown men running and screaming like children in several public places. Hard not to enjoy that part at least, especially the performance of Joe Mantegna, who's delivery and facial expressions had me bursting with laughter.
Ferris Bueller's Day Off meets the Home Alone and Hocus Pocus movies and Honey, I Shrunk the Kids. The only totally positive thing about this movie, and honestly saves it from the negative realm, is seeing full grown men running and screaming like children in several public places. Hard not to enjoy that part at least, especially the performance of Joe Mantegna, who's delivery and facial expressions had me bursting with laughter.
Lost in Plainview
(2005)
For the time it was made, it's a pretty decent indie
13 July 2023
Acting and story could be better, but this is so much better than what most of this level of filmmakers can achieve two decades after it was made.
Full disclosure: I was at this film's premiere in 2004 because my uncle is one of the producers. I remember it being pretty terrific.
Rewatching nearly two decades later, the issues with it are much clearer. The movie was made in a time when not everyone made films or could call themselves a filmmaker. Nowadays it's hard to find something even as decent as this among the over saturation of content that creators aspiring to be real filmmakers are pushing out.
Other than some performances and some of the story the movie is halfway decent. It's something like Breakdown meets Wolf Creek but in the California desert. I will say there was too many slow motion sequences that were not shot at a higher frame rate and that lessens the production value of this picture unfortunately.
The original title Lost in Plainview (and poster) better represent what this movie is. This movie is by no means as bad as the trailer I've seen for it, but it could be a lot better. But that is by today's standards. For indie filmmakers in the mid 2000s, this isn't half bad.
Full disclosure: I was at this film's premiere in 2004 because my uncle is one of the producers. I remember it being pretty terrific.
Rewatching nearly two decades later, the issues with it are much clearer. The movie was made in a time when not everyone made films or could call themselves a filmmaker. Nowadays it's hard to find something even as decent as this among the over saturation of content that creators aspiring to be real filmmakers are pushing out.
Other than some performances and some of the story the movie is halfway decent. It's something like Breakdown meets Wolf Creek but in the California desert. I will say there was too many slow motion sequences that were not shot at a higher frame rate and that lessens the production value of this picture unfortunately.
The original title Lost in Plainview (and poster) better represent what this movie is. This movie is by no means as bad as the trailer I've seen for it, but it could be a lot better. But that is by today's standards. For indie filmmakers in the mid 2000s, this isn't half bad.
The Out-Laws
(2023)
A critical miss, but worthy entertainment
9 July 2023
Every now and then you get a movie that is a hit or miss with audiences and trashed by critics. But over the top dialogue and situations make this perhaps one of Netflix's funniest comedies. Devine's performance is next generation Jack Black. The humor here is clearly intentional and most of it works, even if it shouldn't.
The rest of the cast is great too, but Devine alone is the reason to watch. Some chuckle worthy bit parts in random scenes help you get through the lack of realism that the movie never lets go of. Don't take this movie seriously or you'll be left disappointed. A worthy gem, and in a catalog full of never ending content, these don't come around often enough.
The rest of the cast is great too, but Devine alone is the reason to watch. Some chuckle worthy bit parts in random scenes help you get through the lack of realism that the movie never lets go of. Don't take this movie seriously or you'll be left disappointed. A worthy gem, and in a catalog full of never ending content, these don't come around often enough.
Moonfall
(2022)
I cannot figure out what genre this was trying to be
14 June 2023
Patrick Wilson channels his best Chris Pratt, Halle Berry is given dialogue that would kill any good actor's performance and John Bradley is perhaps the best reason to watch this never ending Hollywood blockbuster B movie that should be called Venom in Space.
It's clear with the editing that the pacing is way too fast, from beginning to end. I don't like a film that drags but here we have a story being told with a Michael Bay edit that is total overkill. There's drama, comedy, science fiction, action, adventure and I just can't quite figure out what the genre really is.
I think this would've been better as a series with the pace slowed down a bit, but that still doesn't excuse the problems within the script. It's an Asylum film with an endless budget and a Hollywood cast. It does make me want to check out Moon Crash, the actual Asylum film that's based on this movie.
It's clear with the editing that the pacing is way too fast, from beginning to end. I don't like a film that drags but here we have a story being told with a Michael Bay edit that is total overkill. There's drama, comedy, science fiction, action, adventure and I just can't quite figure out what the genre really is.
I think this would've been better as a series with the pace slowed down a bit, but that still doesn't excuse the problems within the script. It's an Asylum film with an endless budget and a Hollywood cast. It does make me want to check out Moon Crash, the actual Asylum film that's based on this movie.
Unknown Visitor
(2019)
"So bad it's good" entertainment
9 June 2023
I put this on not expecting much, but I really did not think I'd laugh so much. Unfortunately this was not meant to be intentionally funny as it was not tagged in the comedy genre.
Trying to take a no budget indie film in a serious genre like horror or thriller is not easy to do and this film is no exception. I could not tell if there was a script or the actors were meant to improvise but the performances and dialogue were laugh out loud hilarious.
I think this film would have benefitted with better casting and properly recorded dialogue using lavs and even a bit of ADR. Less realism is more, cuz we can tell an actual Ring camera was not used.
What I liked the most here was the concept and minimal runtime. It's wonderful to see an indie half the length of typical no budgets that wear out their welcome long before it concludes.
Trying to take a no budget indie film in a serious genre like horror or thriller is not easy to do and this film is no exception. I could not tell if there was a script or the actors were meant to improvise but the performances and dialogue were laugh out loud hilarious.
I think this film would have benefitted with better casting and properly recorded dialogue using lavs and even a bit of ADR. Less realism is more, cuz we can tell an actual Ring camera was not used.
What I liked the most here was the concept and minimal runtime. It's wonderful to see an indie half the length of typical no budgets that wear out their welcome long before it concludes.
Craving
(2023)
Impressive gore and de-aging effects
2 June 2023
Been following Horton's filmmaking channel and groups online for some time so naturally when he announced this movie just came out on Tubi, I quickly moved it to the front of my queue. (I secretly would've like to have driven a couple hours to be at the Los Angeles premiere but it was on a weeknight)
The movie was about what I expected, though the trailer hints it's not perfect, I did want to like it more than I did. As with most indie films, you get some good stuff and other parts not so much.
What I liked the most out of this movie was the campaign to push it, with excellent marketing materials and artwork. The film itself used de-aging technology for flashbacks that really helped a lot with the continuity of the characters; you didn't have to guess who was who. But if anything they were aged too much in the present since the flash backs are around 15 years ago and they look significantly younger (less than half their age).
I'm not a huge fan on gore, but I do appreciate it when it has purpose. There's a little too much here for my taste, but I'm not a gorehound. Low budget horror lovers certainly get a pay off at the end of the movie, so stick around.
As for what didn't quite work for me, I noticed in the trailer the performances just did not seem all that convincing for the situation. It's another thing I expect from indie films, but every now and then you get a goody cast and this was not that. With so many cast members, several had some okay parts, but were mostly disconnected. The only standout to me was Bryant with Morman a very close second. I liked Caliber's vocal tone and Bourke's delivery most of the time.
The score was pretty decent, as was the mix but the sound design really needed some work. Gunshots sounded too generic and it was like they were only drag and dropped in the edit. It really took me out of the film and I really wanted those parts to have more of an impact.
Unlike so many indies, I understand this is a film meant to make money. Rose being part of the cast is a no brainer for that. The script was okay though some of the best dialogue was in Gail's flashback. The Frenzy character was not likable at all and they almost had too much screen time, though it seemed like her part was intentionally done this way. I think if more of the cast had better performances and the sound design got the same treatment the practical effects did, the other minor issues are much easier to overlook.
Looking forward to seeing improvements in this team's next project!
The movie was about what I expected, though the trailer hints it's not perfect, I did want to like it more than I did. As with most indie films, you get some good stuff and other parts not so much.
What I liked the most out of this movie was the campaign to push it, with excellent marketing materials and artwork. The film itself used de-aging technology for flashbacks that really helped a lot with the continuity of the characters; you didn't have to guess who was who. But if anything they were aged too much in the present since the flash backs are around 15 years ago and they look significantly younger (less than half their age).
I'm not a huge fan on gore, but I do appreciate it when it has purpose. There's a little too much here for my taste, but I'm not a gorehound. Low budget horror lovers certainly get a pay off at the end of the movie, so stick around.
As for what didn't quite work for me, I noticed in the trailer the performances just did not seem all that convincing for the situation. It's another thing I expect from indie films, but every now and then you get a goody cast and this was not that. With so many cast members, several had some okay parts, but were mostly disconnected. The only standout to me was Bryant with Morman a very close second. I liked Caliber's vocal tone and Bourke's delivery most of the time.
The score was pretty decent, as was the mix but the sound design really needed some work. Gunshots sounded too generic and it was like they were only drag and dropped in the edit. It really took me out of the film and I really wanted those parts to have more of an impact.
Unlike so many indies, I understand this is a film meant to make money. Rose being part of the cast is a no brainer for that. The script was okay though some of the best dialogue was in Gail's flashback. The Frenzy character was not likable at all and they almost had too much screen time, though it seemed like her part was intentionally done this way. I think if more of the cast had better performances and the sound design got the same treatment the practical effects did, the other minor issues are much easier to overlook.
Looking forward to seeing improvements in this team's next project!
Jeepers Creepers: Reborn
(2022)
All the production value in the world could not save this movie
28 May 2023
Probably one of the worst attempts at franchise horror I've ever seen. While the movie was clearly a financial success, it failed miserably as a fourth installment to a franchise that started out great. This went from so bad it's good at first, to just plain sad with it's execution.
The problem is mostly script and performances, as the production value with sound and practical effects were mostly decent. There was one part during the climax that was one of the worst rendered visual effects ever. The overuse of green screen made this too corny and a complete miss from what audiences expect from this franchise.
A pretentious film that really disappointed and I have a hard time believing that the higher ups on the production weren't malicious in thinking they were giving audiences something worthwhile. The budget does not seemed to be disclosed anywhere but I'm sure it was below 1M, at least for principal photography.
The acting was pretty bad but the script was even worse. There are so many creators who have a desire to prove themselves out there that I don't know how the crew got the green light for this. Serious unknown filmmakers and actors could've done a much better job.
The problem is mostly script and performances, as the production value with sound and practical effects were mostly decent. There was one part during the climax that was one of the worst rendered visual effects ever. The overuse of green screen made this too corny and a complete miss from what audiences expect from this franchise.
A pretentious film that really disappointed and I have a hard time believing that the higher ups on the production weren't malicious in thinking they were giving audiences something worthwhile. The budget does not seemed to be disclosed anywhere but I'm sure it was below 1M, at least for principal photography.
The acting was pretty bad but the script was even worse. There are so many creators who have a desire to prove themselves out there that I don't know how the crew got the green light for this. Serious unknown filmmakers and actors could've done a much better job.
Mike & Fred vs The Dead
(2022)
Better than I expected, Shaun of the Dead meets Scary Stories in San Diego
11 May 2023
Alright, I must say I have bias here as I know several individuals involved with this production. Having said that, I am not attached to this project, but as always, I want have an opinion, so I take the time to watch.
Not a perfect film, but a superior to previous works, which is all anyone can hope for in the no budget film industry. The movie's tone is there, right from the beginning. I actually liked the first 10 minutes of the movie the most because it set the mood for the environment pretty well. The sound design is there and helps significantly throughout. The directing was good and camera work was solid most of the time.
The casting was pretty decent, especially the role of Mike played by George Jac. I have been waiting for Jac to top his performance in 2016's South of 8, which is an action drama. I suspected comedy was his strong point, and he proved that in this film.
Now what could've been better? Some of the dialogue could've used ADR, but the sound design did help distract from this quite a bit. The editing could've been a little tighter, making the film maybe 10 minutes shorter. But I've seen a lot of 90-100 minute indies that drag way beyond their welcome, so this being just over 70 minutes was okay. The most unforgivable part of the movie was a sync issue for about 5 minutes towards the end where the video is ahead of the audio by 2 or 3 seconds. It fixes itself, and seems to be a render issue, but I don't know how this got by QC.
Last, I'll say the reason this movie works the way it is is simply because it's an indie film in the comedy genre. So when you laugh, it's intentional, forgivable or both. There's no judging the film to take itself seriously. It knows what it is, and even the parts it doesn't, it still works because it's a funny genre.
Not a perfect film, but a superior to previous works, which is all anyone can hope for in the no budget film industry. The movie's tone is there, right from the beginning. I actually liked the first 10 minutes of the movie the most because it set the mood for the environment pretty well. The sound design is there and helps significantly throughout. The directing was good and camera work was solid most of the time.
The casting was pretty decent, especially the role of Mike played by George Jac. I have been waiting for Jac to top his performance in 2016's South of 8, which is an action drama. I suspected comedy was his strong point, and he proved that in this film.
Now what could've been better? Some of the dialogue could've used ADR, but the sound design did help distract from this quite a bit. The editing could've been a little tighter, making the film maybe 10 minutes shorter. But I've seen a lot of 90-100 minute indies that drag way beyond their welcome, so this being just over 70 minutes was okay. The most unforgivable part of the movie was a sync issue for about 5 minutes towards the end where the video is ahead of the audio by 2 or 3 seconds. It fixes itself, and seems to be a render issue, but I don't know how this got by QC.
Last, I'll say the reason this movie works the way it is is simply because it's an indie film in the comedy genre. So when you laugh, it's intentional, forgivable or both. There's no judging the film to take itself seriously. It knows what it is, and even the parts it doesn't, it still works because it's a funny genre.
Scream VI
(2023)
Entertaining but not as good as IV or V
30 April 2023
While the franchise has a cast that never disappoints, I found parts of this too predictable compared to previous titles that made me not enjoy it as much. I don't know if it was lazy writing or if I have found a way to dissect these films better after each one.
Ortega, Barrera and company are all excellent in their performances. But I will say Dermot Mulroney, who IMO is a good actor, was completely miss cast for his role. I found him to not be believable and disconnected from his character throughout the whole movie. Even his doppelganger David Strathairn would've been more fitting.
The previous movies did a better job making you wonder who the killer is, and that is due to shining performances from everyone.
Ortega, Barrera and company are all excellent in their performances. But I will say Dermot Mulroney, who IMO is a good actor, was completely miss cast for his role. I found him to not be believable and disconnected from his character throughout the whole movie. Even his doppelganger David Strathairn would've been more fitting.
The previous movies did a better job making you wonder who the killer is, and that is due to shining performances from everyone.
Ghosted
(I) (2023)
The Taxman
30 April 2023
This was something like Mr. And Mrs. Smith meets Knight and Day and had everything missing from last year's Uncharted. It was wildly entertaining but not without its flaws.
The story was okay but the script was just meh. The casting was alright too but could've been better. The beginning and end of the movie felt like a student was handed footage to edit in film class and didn't entirely capture the tone of the genre.
It had a few too many cameos for my liking but I think what this movie really lacked was the chemistry De Armas and Evans had in Knives Out. It honestly makes me want to revisit that film again.
The story was okay but the script was just meh. The casting was alright too but could've been better. The beginning and end of the movie felt like a student was handed footage to edit in film class and didn't entirely capture the tone of the genre.
It had a few too many cameos for my liking but I think what this movie really lacked was the chemistry De Armas and Evans had in Knives Out. It honestly makes me want to revisit that film again.
Waco: American Apocalypse
(2023)
A reminder just how crazy people can be
6 April 2023
I was only a child when the OK bombing happened, on my birthday of all days. I had heard of Waco before, but didn't know the whole story or that the two were related.
This was a really tragic event, started by one side that was asking for trouble, but both sides are to blame for the outcome. The real tragedy is the kids. Everyone else had plenty of time to make their decision to stay or leave, but the kids are the real victims.
What's crazy about this doc is comparing it to society today. Thinking about how many others out there have the ability to manipulate others so much, that many of them would rather die than to look at their life choices and lack of logic, and change.
This was a really tragic event, started by one side that was asking for trouble, but both sides are to blame for the outcome. The real tragedy is the kids. Everyone else had plenty of time to make their decision to stay or leave, but the kids are the real victims.
What's crazy about this doc is comparing it to society today. Thinking about how many others out there have the ability to manipulate others so much, that many of them would rather die than to look at their life choices and lack of logic, and change.
Nope
(2022)
Too long with a repetitive playback
27 March 2023
Interesting and original, but barely held my interest for it's entire runtime. The movie was kinda like Tremors and Jaws with its own story but it seemed to drag throughout, never actually revealing a twist or anything exciting leading up to its finale.
Some of the setup and dialogue was funny, but I didn't seem phased enough to thoroughly enjoy it. The acting was pretty good but I think the movie could've been a whole 30 minutes shorter. It wasn't bad, but with all the hype I just expected more when comparing it to Peele's previous releases. I may give it a rewatch, but I just don't know yet.
Some of the setup and dialogue was funny, but I didn't seem phased enough to thoroughly enjoy it. The acting was pretty good but I think the movie could've been a whole 30 minutes shorter. It wasn't bad, but with all the hype I just expected more when comparing it to Peele's previous releases. I may give it a rewatch, but I just don't know yet.
Dumb and Dumber To
(2014)
Amusing but not quite what the first one was.
25 March 2023
The first half seemed okay, being similar to the original but just different enough (compare the Hangover to its first sequel). In the second half it lost its steam. Nevertheless, with Carrey and Daniels returning, it is a must see.
I had seen this before when it first came out and I remember thinking it wasn't that great that I had forgotten just how hilarious it starts out. But the story is kinda wild and the 2010s and 2020s are just not as forgiving as a 90s audience.
I love this duo of idiots: their characters are genius in the way they are portrayed by the actors. However, it's really difficult to to follow up such an iconic movie that really does not appeal to today's audience.
I had seen this before when it first came out and I remember thinking it wasn't that great that I had forgotten just how hilarious it starts out. But the story is kinda wild and the 2010s and 2020s are just not as forgiving as a 90s audience.
I love this duo of idiots: their characters are genius in the way they are portrayed by the actors. However, it's really difficult to to follow up such an iconic movie that really does not appeal to today's audience.
Mad City
(1997)
I didn't like it but it was so good.
23 March 2023
Let me explain. It's a story setup like John Q with a messed up Arlington Road-like ending, but it was made before either of those films. The situation escalates when a regular guy gets himself into a hostage situation that he hadn't planned for. It's eerie how initially you think of him as the antagonist, but as the movie progresses, he's the only one you are rooting for.
Every character in this movie is a worse individual than the one Travolta plays. It's very good because of how real it is, especially seeing how it has aged. But I just didn't like the movie because of that exact thing. We live in a society where the media will stop at nothing to get the story, rather than trying to do anything they can to de-escalate an already tense situation.
Every character in this movie is a worse individual than the one Travolta plays. It's very good because of how real it is, especially seeing how it has aged. But I just didn't like the movie because of that exact thing. We live in a society where the media will stop at nothing to get the story, rather than trying to do anything they can to de-escalate an already tense situation.
Last Chance
(III) (2022)
A 90 minute trailer that doesn't know its own genre
21 March 2023
Disclaimer: I know several of the cast and crew attached to this project. I'd like to state my honest opinion about this film, but before I do, I want everyone to know not to take anything I say personally. I am here to support you all and want to see you all to succeed in this industry. I've got no beef with anyone involved and I'm not on IMDb to be a hater of films.
While I have not heard great things about this film, I care too much to form my own opinion about it than to not watch it. It is of my opinion that this film was not made with an audience in mind. It seems like everyone had a great time filming from all the bts and clips I've seen on social media. But the movie as a whole just didn't work for me.
Bird, Lake and Fallor were the standout performers of the movie maybe due to proper casting but also, and this may be a coincidence, perhaps their limited screen time. Others had shining moments but also felt disconnected with their roles at times, and this for me was mostly due to improper casting and writing, not bad acting.
The storytelling was hard to follow and the script could probably use rewrites. But the major flaw with this movie was within the edit itself. The movie felt like I was watching a 90 minute trailer, not a movie. Because of the overuse of transitions and epic music throughout, I was lost at what was happening. Some scenes even felt more like a soap opera or rom com, which made the movie seem like it didn't know its own genre. And some earlier scenes were ending just as fast as they started, before I could even get a sense of what was going on. Some dialogue was hard to hear and was spoken too quickly even for reading subtitles.
The beginning was some of the worse green screen chroma key edits I've seen and it was really disappointing for all the experience put into such a massive project. I can only imagine the number of times "fix it in post" was said on set only to see the bandaid work done just didn't come together. I understand it's a debut film, but it could've been and probably should've been a lot better if more experience in this department had been sought out.
Micro budget films really have a hard time holding attention spans as long as Hollywood blockbusters. A 90 minute movie should not feel like 90 minutes or longer. This is another example of a film that was too long to expect audiences to sit through. This movie should not have been longer than it needs to tell the story and in my honest opinion, this entire story could be told in under 60 minutes, perhaps even 30-40 minutes. There just wasn't enough to hold my attention from start too finish for that kinda runtime.
I hope this team learns from this project what improvements they can put into their next one. But the audience attention has to be the priority here and that requires quality control with excellent pacing. Thanks for reading my thoughts.
While I have not heard great things about this film, I care too much to form my own opinion about it than to not watch it. It is of my opinion that this film was not made with an audience in mind. It seems like everyone had a great time filming from all the bts and clips I've seen on social media. But the movie as a whole just didn't work for me.
Bird, Lake and Fallor were the standout performers of the movie maybe due to proper casting but also, and this may be a coincidence, perhaps their limited screen time. Others had shining moments but also felt disconnected with their roles at times, and this for me was mostly due to improper casting and writing, not bad acting.
The storytelling was hard to follow and the script could probably use rewrites. But the major flaw with this movie was within the edit itself. The movie felt like I was watching a 90 minute trailer, not a movie. Because of the overuse of transitions and epic music throughout, I was lost at what was happening. Some scenes even felt more like a soap opera or rom com, which made the movie seem like it didn't know its own genre. And some earlier scenes were ending just as fast as they started, before I could even get a sense of what was going on. Some dialogue was hard to hear and was spoken too quickly even for reading subtitles.
The beginning was some of the worse green screen chroma key edits I've seen and it was really disappointing for all the experience put into such a massive project. I can only imagine the number of times "fix it in post" was said on set only to see the bandaid work done just didn't come together. I understand it's a debut film, but it could've been and probably should've been a lot better if more experience in this department had been sought out.
Micro budget films really have a hard time holding attention spans as long as Hollywood blockbusters. A 90 minute movie should not feel like 90 minutes or longer. This is another example of a film that was too long to expect audiences to sit through. This movie should not have been longer than it needs to tell the story and in my honest opinion, this entire story could be told in under 60 minutes, perhaps even 30-40 minutes. There just wasn't enough to hold my attention from start too finish for that kinda runtime.
I hope this team learns from this project what improvements they can put into their next one. But the audience attention has to be the priority here and that requires quality control with excellent pacing. Thanks for reading my thoughts.
Everybody Dies by the End
(2022)
One of the funniest indie horrors I've seen
20 March 2023
A masterful performance from Vinny Curran, who's easily one of the greatest unknown actors I've ever come across. It's a quality debut film for found footage and the storytelling is brilliant.
Like Cocaine Bear, enjoying with an audience only makes it better. The dialogue is pretty smart and the twist, while pretty obvious, still manages to surprise with pleasant disgust.
My only notes here is that Curran's performance seems to steal the show from every other cast member, as he baits them into his cult filmmaking, defying logic and sanity towards his final masterpiece: Everybody Dies by the End!
Like Cocaine Bear, enjoying with an audience only makes it better. The dialogue is pretty smart and the twist, while pretty obvious, still manages to surprise with pleasant disgust.
My only notes here is that Curran's performance seems to steal the show from every other cast member, as he baits them into his cult filmmaking, defying logic and sanity towards his final masterpiece: Everybody Dies by the End!
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