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Reviews
Rising Phoenix (2020)
A Story Untold
This is a really interesting film set more as a group of stories than a standard documentary. It is equal parts uplifting and engaging. The important thing here is it shines a light on incredible athletes and people who are often hidden behind able-bodies counterparts.
What I found most engaging was that with each person featured, the audience got to know their story and a little about their past and journey to the Paralympics. I can agree it can feel a bit rushed, but that's only because each person's story and journey had enough meat to be its own movie. But, it seems like Parasport champions don't get these kind of fictional power stories like other athletes such as Michael Jordan, Michael Bennett, IU basketball, the 1980 US Hockey team, a horse named Seabiscuit, the Oakland As, you get the idea. These are all inspiring stories, and every on of the athletes who participate in the Paralympics can equal them.
I don't agree with The NY Times narrow view of the documentary lambasting it for showing athletes at the top of their game and that using the idea that this is some sort of advertisement as a negative. Of course it is! In the best way. The Paralympics do not receive widespread attention it deserves. Look what almost happened in Rio. If watching this documentary is an inducement for someone, who would otherwise be unaware of the amazing athletes or the sports, to take interest and start following, well that's sort of the point. And this film showcases it well. Documentaries are made to bring attention to the subject matter to shine the light in a positive or eye opening way or provide commentary on the subject matter.
I rated this a 10 because I really want to encourage people to see this documentary because the content is fantastic. If this was getting more attention I'd realistically rate it an 8 from a pure technical film standpoint. Some of the cuts and editing choices could have been done a bit better. It did have that feeling that they needed to get everything in this one film because it was their only chance. This easily could have been set as a short docu-series with each episode focusing on an individual athlete and overlaying the history and recent olympics. However, the content, as mentioned, was fantastic.
Underworld: Rise of the Lycans (2009)
Enjoyable independently, but skippable in sequence
If you are in an Underworld binging mood, I'd recommend watching this first if you're dead set on watching it. If watching in release order, it's really not worth the time. A good story overall, it's just a shame you learn about the whole plot in the 1st 2 films so it leaves this movie without anywhere to go or add. It also feels weird and out-of-place splitting Selene's story.
Judy (2019)
Go see this movie
I first want to start with a criticism of the mainstream critic reviews. These reviewers assume that the audience knows well the struggle Judy Garland had in her early life and that they know all of her career. There also seems to be a desire that the director and script shy away from the truth of the last year of her life.
That being said, I felt that flashbacks were particularly important in highlighting her life and were selected to lead into the next scene of her current state. Without these scenes, Judy Garland's current state would be very hard for the audience to get behind. It would make the end unjustified and meaningless even if it's real life.
What I appreciate is that they chose not to assume the audience knew much about her experiences or her end of life and chose to show it all, the good, bad, the drugged. In the end, the choices in the story-telling made the film feel three dimensional and tangible. Lastly, Renee Zellweger was dead on in her performance. I would be surprised if she doesn't get the Oscar nod.
Brittany Runs a Marathon (2019)
A darkly comic, relatable movie about taking ownership
There was so much about Brittany that I could relate to and that made the movie hit further home. She is a character who shields her insecurities and self doubt in self-deprecating comedy and silliness. But, when she is finally told the harsh truth about her health, must decide whether to become accountable. This personal health journey also makes her reevaluate her closest relationships.
Overall this movie does a great job in showing the character's journey but also not shying away from their flaws as well. She is not a one-dimensional, victim character. In many ways, she often drives the negative response through her own actions.
I would highly recommend this movie. It hits all of the right notes of inspirational, funny, sad, and sweet.
Angel Has Fallen (2019)
Poor camera angles and filming style
I came to this movie with a fun bad action movie in mind. This movie however started to annoy me when camera and filming techniques meant to be used sparingly are the entire style of the film. It was incredibly distracting. I had no need to spend 2 hours evaluating the actors' pore sizes and wondering if my vision was failing due to blur.
Like many others have stated, the best part of the film was Nolte/Butler scenes. It's the only reason this gets a 5 from me.
Peppermint (2018)
Enjoyable, kick ass, Sydney Bristol is back and grittier
Yes, this is an action flick. Yes, this violent. But it is also as enjoyable as Taken, Die Hard, and any Bruce Willis or Keanu Reeves action flick.
No real spoilers, just hints...
The movie is about a mother taking her pain and turning it into justice for her family. Jennifer Garner is great in this role and is able to carry the pain of losing a child with a hard core unempathetic killing spree.
Where I felt this movie could have been better was in the backstory. She went from mother to bad ass in 5 years. How? You see a small minor clip but it leaves a lot to the imagination. You also get foreshadowing in a drug cartel conversation but it goes nowhere. The ending leaves it open for a 2nd film, but if so, I wish they set it up a little better.
I completely enjoyed this movie. It will be definitely added to my re-watch line-up.
The critics want there to be more plot development but do they want those things for any male led action roles? Not particularly. They were unfairly critical of this movie. Don't trust them. This is not a diatribe on male vs female, merely an observation.
I Feel Pretty (2018)
A good watch, funny, and enjoyable
I don't understand all of the hate on this movie.
This movie is uplifting for anyone who struggles with confidence or trying to be perfect. Both men and women. It's not meant to be an Oscar winning show or some sweeping drama. It's cute, largely upbeat, and funny.
One of the main themes in this movie is entirely relatable to everything we see on a daily basis. Just because someone looks a certain way doesn't mean they are not insecure or have their own doubts. Take this movie for what it is, grab a pizza, and a beer and enjoy.
A Wrinkle in Time (2018)
So thoroughly disappointed
A Wrinkle in Time is one of my all time favorite books and the series is wonderful. When I heard this was being re-made, I was so excited. This movie was so disappointing. The creative liberty taken in the story-telling stole all that was magical and beautiful about the book.
If it hadn't been a representative of one of the best children's science fiction stories ever written, it would have been a better film.