qqknowlton-85783 Reviews

Mystery Science Theater 3000: The Christmas Dragon (2022) Season 3, Episode 13

One of the funniest MST3K episodes

[9/10 · 9 May 2023]

I grew up watching this show and I love it. I know that many of the early seasons used old, poor quality movies and it could get repetitive. But thankfully, the recent 3 seasons on Netflix are funnier than the original seasons. I say this honestly and objectively as someone who has written screenplays and is finishing a master's in Writing. Even my sibling who works in post production in Hollywood agrees with me.

Especially this episode - I have never burst out laughing so hard during any comedy movie. The writing is fresh and sharp, the jokes are witty and original. I want to shout to the writers, actors and crew who made the 3rd season, thanks for your hard work!

Just watch this episode!

Nelly Rapp: Monster Agent (2020)

Fantastic family movie with heart

[7/10 · 25 October 2021]

As a middle aged dad who prefers action and thrillers, I avoid family movies. But my daughter enjoyed this movie and I found myself enjoying it too. I laughed out loud a few times. It has a good story and likeable characters. There are familiar themes about acceptance and change, but its sincere with heartfelt acting. I highly recommend this family movie to anyone who is tired of loud Hollywood movies and too much CGI, and just wants to watch a well-made movie with meaning.

Death Fighter (2017)

Great Martial Arts Movie!

[7/10 · 26 July 2017]

Overview: This film is worth watching for the exotic locale, straightforward plot and realistic fight sequences.

I think that "Death Fighter" marks the successful return of Cynthia Rothrock and Don Wilson to high-quality martial arts cinema. This is my first Matt Mullins film, but he is highly skilled and trained.

The plot is quite familiar and we have all seen the characters before, but film does an excellent job at leveraging the beauty of the Thai jungle and the rawness of the streets.

I think the film appropriately approaches the ugly reality of human trafficking by using a fast-paced plot and focusing on the interactions between the characters.

Having visited Thailand, lived in Manila and studied kung fu in China, I can honestly say that the martial arts sequences were excellent and well-choreographed.

There are excellent fight scenes in congested spaces with multiple opponents that pay homage to the masters of Hong Kong martial arts cinema.

This film won't win any Oscars, but it has won a place in my highly selective movie collection.

Note: this film reminded me of other recent, excellent martial arts filmed in the SE Asia, two of which also raise important awareness about human trafficking.

-Dolph Lundren/Tony Jaa in "Skin Trade" -Scott Atkins in "Hard Target 2" -JCVD in "Pound of Flesh"

Beauty and the Beast (I) (2017)

A Cinematic Beauty

[8/10 · 26 July 2017]

I enjoyed this film and would recommend it to anyone who likes classic Disney movies and well-made fantasy movies.

The plot flow and musical sequences follows the original animation, but the scenery is gorgeous, the acting is fine and the singing is great.

I think that the CGI really enhanced the film. I especially liked the appearance and personification of the Beast.

Emma Watson offers a more intellectual and emotionally controlled Belle, which I welcome over the overly optimistic and feminine Belle from the animation.

I also highly recommend the 2014 French/German version called "La belle et la bête" – the fantasy elements are stronger and more abstract, but it's visually powerful.

This film really brings to life the Grimm's brothers tale, which is based on the 17th century French novel.

Alien: Covenant (2017)

It's a Good Film by Itself

[7/10 · 26 July 2017]

This latest edition to the Alien franchise takes a different approach to storytelling, which is perhaps why people don't like it or find it confusing.

Yes, I felt a little confused after some of the plot twists, but the overall story is easy to follow: a group of space travelers visit a planet and get caught up in something bigger and more dangerous.

The crew actually reminded me of the original Alien crew – there was banter, camaraderie and genuine relationships.

The people aren't military mercenaries and there are no familiar cat-and-mouse alien/human hunt scenes, so this will disappoint people who like cheap thrills and gory horror.

However, I think that this offers a fresh approach to the same old face-to-face scenes that have been overused in previous Alien films.

This movie does focus on the androids and it does detract from the overall story and development of the human characters, but it's still enjoyable and I highly recommend it.

Django Unchained (2012)

A Genuine Masterpiece

[8/10 · 26 July 2017]

Django Unchained offers an alternative approach to historical race relations through Tarantino's unique filmmaking skills.

Yes, the film is violently offensive and negative towards white elitists. The first time I watched the film I was disturbed by scenes involving torture and shooting.

However, Tarantino has inspired me to learn more about the exploitation films that have clearly inspired him. I have noticed that I used to get upset and uncomfortable when seeing white people negatively or comically portrayed in Blaxploitation films. This film does the opposite for good reasons.

African Americans have been and continue to be visually misrepresented in the media and film. Django Unchained aggressively demonstrates this toxicity and human trafficking in order to raise awareness.

Just think of how many hundreds of thousands of people still enjoy watching thuggish law enforcement on Fox's Cops (still popular since 1989) target minority males and people of color, yet this is legitimate entertainment? I doubt that anyone who has given this film a negative review has ever seen a spaghetti western, such as the original Django (1966) film with Italian superstar Franco Nero.

Those who don't know Navajo Joe (1966), Death Rides of Horse (1967) and even They Call Me Trinity (1970), are poorly qualified to judge this cinematic homage to the holy trinity of western exploitation directors: Sergio Leone, Sergio Corbucci and Sergio Sollima.

Prometheus (I) (2012)

An Excellent, Throughtful Sci-fi

[8/10 · 26 July 2017]

Prometheus is one of the few sci-fi/horror movies that is deep enough to make it almost detracting from the story.

Noomi Rapace did an excellent job as the independent female lead.

Charlize Theron, Guy Pearce and Idris Elba (who should have had more screen time) were excellent.

The CGI wasn't distracting, but helped to create a real alien world environment.

I liked the film's anthropological approach to discovering human's roots and I appreciated the philosophical questions that were raised.

The film is very entertaining for people who like slow-paced thrillers with good scares and real human emotions.

The Hateful Eight (2015)

Haters Gunna Hate

[8/10 · 26 July 2017]

I was surprised at some of the low scores/negative reviews for The Hateful Eight. I really enjoyed this film and appreciated the masterful storytelling.

First of all, I feel that Tarantino is an inspired genius whose storytelling tactics and cinematic approaches that defy mainstream filmmakers and movie goers.

I am a huge fan of rare, cult, abstract, art house and exploitation films. Tarantino pays homage to these unique and misunderstood genres through his artistic creations.

I had already seen Foxy Cleopatra, Enter the Ninja and every Sergio Leone spaghetti western before I even knew who Tarantino was in high school.

If you don't recognize these titles, then you will not like Tarantino's films.

The Hateful Eight's story seems to be written by a playwright who weaves together mysterious characters, surprising plot twists and conflicting Hitchockian Macguffins.

This film is best for people who enjoy the surreal experience of sharp cinematography and a visually powerful story.

I highly recommend this film and all of Tarantino's other successful films.

Java Heat (2013)

An Entertaining & Balanced Action Film

[7/10 · 26 July 2017]

Watching the main character blunder around the beauty of Indonesian culture, society and places strongly reminded me of the years I spent living in the Philippine jungles and the concrete jungles of Manila. The film's shooting locations really highlight the urban sprawl and chaos of SE Asian countries.

This action film uses a recognizable plot and familiar characters to highlight surprising things. I appreciate how the film promotes and expounds on Indonesian culture. Most action films in foreign countries never take the time to sincerely highlight political conflict (govt corruption), social conflict (religious values) and open racism against white people.

I like how the natives use the racist slur for foreigners (bule) to illustrate ignorance and reference imperialism. But this is balanced by the American character's development as he learns about the country and pursues his goal. He is a complex character that reflects how people would really behave in similar situations.

Ario Bayu's strong performance as a clean cop and family man who loves his country is quite refreshing when compared with the hundreds of films I watched during my travels in Asia that only depict corrupt, selfish law enforcement. He actually reminds me of one of my adult Chinese students (a policeman) who become a UN peacekeeper. I like the conflict and camaraderie between the two main characters.

Mickey Rouke does a good job as the soulless villain who uses the fanatical Muslim extremist for his own purposes. The director does an excellent job at illustrating the extremist's desperation for change against his respect for values, women and his country.

This action film will entertain you while allowing you to appreciate modern Indonesia.

Masterminds (2015)

A Masterful Movie

[8/10 · 26 July 2017]

Masterminds is one of the few comedies that caused me to suddenly laugh so hard that I scared my roommate. This is followed by long and quiet scenes.

His comedic style uses a slow approach, wacky characters, methodical development and abrupt awkward situations.

This film will not appeal to people who like crude humor, foul banter and mindless slapstick.

Instead, it will appeal to people who like plot twists, hilarious reactions and funny runarounds.

I like Jared Hess' other films (Nacho Libre) and Masterminds didn't disappoint me.

Life (I) (2017)

An Excellent One-Time Sci-fi Horror Flick

[7/10 · 26 July 2017]

Life is the kind of sci-fi film that I really enjoy watching once, but will unlikely watch again.

I honestly hate horror films, but I appreciated the realistic approach and sequential consequences of each action.

This movie is perfect for people who dislike gory horror (Alien), pointless sci-fi (Gravity) and CGI bloated sci-fi films (Guardians of the Galaxy).

Most horror films overuse jump scares, subliminal images and nonlinear sound to stimulate generic responses.

Instead, Life uses the disturbing reality of isolation, the unknown, interpersonal conflict to deliver an intense and emotional ride.

I think the film is a realistic portrayal of what actual alien life will be like and the uncontrollable dangers therein.

A much more epic and scientifically accurate sci-fi horror film is Danny Boyle's (Trainspotting, Slumdog Millionaire) Sunshine (2007) which coincidentally has the same actor Hiroyuki Sanada.

Hard Target 2 (2016 Video)

Solid Action Movie

[7/10 · 26 July 2017]

Hard Target 2 is a great action-packed film that genuine martial arts fans and practicers will appreciate.

Scott Adkins is a talented martial artist turned actor, so don't expect a Marlon-esque performance.

Instead, expect a realistic display of reactions and great fighting sequences.

Robert Knepper (Prison Break) is one of the most underrated actors who excels at portraying sinister and psychotic villains.

The movie's plot is similar to the 1990s film Surviving the Game (Ice T/Rutger Hauer), which itself draws on the 1920s classic short story The Most Dangerous Game.

The movie mostly takes place in the Thai jungle, which is exotic and pristine. The familiar plot and intense action make this a great film to veg out to on a weekend afternoon.

Note - the upcoming actress Ann Truong is quite strong and beautiful.

Lady Bloodfight (2016)

An Excellent & Empowering Film

[8/10 · 26 July 2017]

I wasn't planning on writing anything about this great film, but my eye caught the highest ranked review that is surprisingly negative and unhelpful.

I honestly feel that Lady Bloodfight is one of the best martial arts movies that I have seen in many years, but for different reasons.

I lived in Asia for seven years working, traveling and studying. I feel that the director did a good job at highlighting the beauty of Hong Kong.

I spent years learning various kung fu forms and weapons in subfreezing weather in Northern China near Siberia and North Korea.

I studied with Shaolin monks and spent a lot of time learning Chinese philosophy and Buddhism.

There is nothing like learning how to use a Shaolin rope dart in -20 degree weather at 6 am surrounded by strangers exercising in a giant park.

My training was quite casual compared to the realistic and painful training depicted in the film.

This film does an excellent job at illustrating the genuine focus of martial arts as self-control, inner stability and personal development.

The fight sequences are raw, well-choreographed and absolutely amazing. I even learned a few new moves for my weapons training.

The actresses are tough, beautiful and independent, which will be offensive to critical and narrow-minded people.

This is the first well-made martial arts film that I have seen that truly demonstrates female strength and empowerment.

There are a few confusing plot twists, but I agree with the LA Times that movie goers should simply skip the plot and focus on the exciting action.