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General Discussion => Reviews => Topic started by: TheNorm on May 31, 2015, 11:41:26 AM

Title: The Movie Review Thread
Post by: TheNorm on May 31, 2015, 11:41:26 AM
Avengers: Age of Ultron
Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson, Chris Hemsworth, Mark Ruffalo, Jeremy Renner, James Spader

Worth seeing in IMAX 3D. Movie didn't disappoint to an extent, but I think I might've expected more out of it too-especially after the amazing stories in Winter Soldier and Guardians. I'm not saying the movie was bad (it wasn't), but IMO it was just very good-Spader does provide a very menacing voice for Ultron. Looking forward to seeing how this all leads into Cap 3.

3.5 out of 5
Title: Re: The Movie Review Thread
Post by: rollntider on June 10, 2015, 10:38:38 PM
My thought exactly, but I would give it a 4. :popcorn:
Title: Re: The Movie Review Thread
Post by: TheNorm on August 23, 2015, 02:32:40 PM
Inside Out
Voices of: Amy Poehler, Lewis Black, Mindy Kaling, Bill Hader, Phyllis Smith, Richard Kind

Pixar takes a shot at looking at emotions and in typical Pixar fashion absolutely kills it. The emotions are seen through the eyes of 11-year-old Riley a Minnesota girl having a great life when her family moves to San Francisco. Animation is always great, and the voices for the emotions are cast perfectly. Only drawback-and this may have been just my theatre-is that it got really dusty in the room during a couple of parts. I wish theatres would fix that issue a bit, otherwise great movie.  :P

4.75 out of 5
Title: Re: The Movie Review Thread
Post by: thaima1shu on August 24, 2015, 12:35:30 PM
Loved Inside Out. I think it's one of my favorite movies that Pixar has ever made.

Watched Trainwreck and Minions recently. Trainwreck was actually very funny. All the athlete cameos were really good.

Minions was pretty disappointing. I really liked both Despicable Me movies, but this just wasn't anywhere near as funny.
Title: Re: The Movie Review Thread
Post by: TheNorm on August 25, 2015, 08:35:25 PM
I really do want to check out Trainwreck-I love Amy Schumer. I just get the feeling this turns into a predictable Judd Apatow flick in the second half of the movie though, so I've put it on the "will see later" stack. Waiting a bit on Minions too-love those things but not sure I'm ready for a whole movie about them.
Title: Re: The Movie Review Thread
Post by: Crewe on August 29, 2015, 02:26:48 PM
Mad Max: Fury Road.
Yes, have some!
What makes this film, aside from the action obviously, is the lack of screen time wasted delving into characters, trying to build them up which almost always kills the pacing, and rarely helps.
Miller delights and with his limited dialogue, still gives you what you need to know.
I should add, I'm a fan of the Mad Max films too, so take that for what its worth.

For those that may not know, Ill also try to clear up, is this a sequel or reboot question.
It's really kinda neither.
The Max character is a legend in this dystopian world and if you look at each film as being told throughout generations as events that make up the legend, the world and the films make a lot more sense.
Hope that helps....and see it.
Title: Re: The Movie Review Thread
Post by: rollntider on August 29, 2015, 03:04:38 PM
A little late on the insideout talk, but will add it to my list. I have had friends they were pleasantly surprised my mission impossible.
Title: Re: The Movie Review Thread
Post by: Crewe on August 31, 2015, 12:55:27 AM
You know, I like Cruise and the MI films...sans II
Title: Re: The Movie Review Thread
Post by: rollntider on August 31, 2015, 11:18:55 PM
2 was not too bad, but it was the least enjoyable of the franchise.
Title: Re: The Movie Review Thread
Post by: rollntider on August 31, 2015, 11:20:12 PM


Love this guys videos
Title: Re: The Movie Review Thread
Post by: TheNorm on December 02, 2015, 11:42:37 PM
Creed
Michael B. Jordan, Sylvester Stallone, Tessa Thompson

Plain and simple, if you loved most of the Rocky movies (no one liked 5 lol) then you'll enjoy this one. Stallone still delivers as Rocky, but now he's coaxed into training a new guy: Adonis Johnson, which as you can figure out by the name of the movie, is the son of Apollo Creed. Michael B. Jordan's performance is incredible, and that shouldn't come as a shock to anyone that saw him in the last two seasons of NBC's Friday Night Lights. This is a movie worthy of the Rocky universe. You'll also get to find out who actually won the third fight between Apollo and Rocky, I thought that was a nice touch. :)

4.5 out of 5
Title: Re: The Movie Review Thread
Post by: Crewe on December 04, 2015, 12:13:50 AM
Been following this one for a while, hoping it would live up to the character. I really enjoyed Rocky Balboa and thought it was a good closeout of the character, but turns out that wasnt the end lol
Looking forward to this one...
Title: Re: The Movie Review Thread
Post by: TheNorm on December 04, 2015, 01:01:15 PM
Quote from: Crewe on December 04, 2015, 12:13:50 AM
Been following this one for a while, hoping it would live up to the character. I really enjoyed Rocky Balboa and thought it was a good closeout of the character, but turns out that wasnt the end lol
Looking forward to this one...

I'll admit to initially being skeptical when they announced this, but they did it justice.
Title: Re: The Movie Review Thread
Post by: Crewe on December 05, 2015, 02:27:37 AM
Quote from: TheNorm on December 04, 2015, 01:01:15 PM
Quote from: Crewe on December 04, 2015, 12:13:50 AM
Been following this one for a while, hoping it would live up to the character. I really enjoyed Rocky Balboa and thought it was a good closeout of the character, but turns out that wasnt the end lol
Looking forward to this one...

I'll admit to initially being skeptical when they announced this, but they did it justice.

Thats good to hear.
Title: Re: The Movie Review Thread
Post by: TheNorm on December 13, 2015, 12:30:47 PM
Jurassic World
Chris Pratt, Bryce Dallas Howard, Vincent D'Onofrio

Back on the island over 20 years after the events of Jurassic Park, and Isla Nublar is officially a big tourist attraction...an amusement park that just like every other place like it in the world needs to add new attractions to keep interest (and more importantly sponsorship $$$$$) up and flowing. This leads to the creation of a brand new dinosaur and eventually leads back to the lessons of the first film that the scientists forgot - playing dinosaur creator just really isn't a very good idea, but at least it's entertaining for those watching and was a fan of the first movie/book (like me). I'll admit to being skeptical about this 'reboot'/sequel when it was first announced, but the movie was enjoyable.

3.75 out of 5


Pitch Perfect 2
Anna Kendrick, Rebel Wilson, Hailee Steinfeld

The follow up to 2012's surprisingly good Pitch Perfect finds the 3x time collegiate accapella champions Barden University Bellas looking to restore their name after an incident on a national stage causes them to be banned from competition. This movie was alright and the performances were pretty good, but it's missing some of the magic from the first one. Some of the cameos were pretty cool though.

3 out of 5
Title: Re: The Movie Review Thread
Post by: rollntider on December 13, 2015, 01:36:09 PM
Agree on JP world
Title: Re: The Movie Review Thread
Post by: Crewe on December 14, 2015, 01:15:54 PM
JP never grabbed me, so not really a fan.
The CGI from JW loked awful to me in the trailers, is it just me?
Title: Re: The Movie Review Thread
Post by: Sakura on December 16, 2015, 08:28:44 AM
Quote from: Crewe on December 14, 2015, 01:15:54 PM
JP never grabbed me, so not really a fan.
The CGI from JW loked awful to me in the trailers, is it just me?
Nah, part of what made Jurassic Park look believable and interesting was that it was still physical props.  Nowadays George Lucas has screwed up the movie making game, and anything even remotely non-human will be done in CG.  With how crazy all the PC and PETA crap on the internet is going, they're going to stop using real animals in movies and start using CG animals for everything.  You like the dog of the main character, yeah?  He was created in 3D Studio Max!  Oh wait, there's PETA complaining again, because it instills the idea that a dog can be a pet, and is therefore not our equal.

Gag.
Title: Re: The Movie Review Thread
Post by: Crewe on December 16, 2015, 11:58:12 AM
I've always held that CGI too easily replaces location shoots and real props/stage and of course there's politicking galore involved too. As good as it can be it can also be well overused and look quite tacky at times.  And to your point about non human, I would add that CGI has infiltrated use for actors/actresses as well
Title: Re: The Movie Review Thread
Post by: Crewe on December 18, 2015, 03:43:41 AM
Force Awakens
Lets see, can I be spoiler free?
Yes.
Much much much better cast than the prequels, I cannot stress this enough. With that, there was one I had issue with, but ill wait until everyone sees it.
Much much much better directing.
The score is just as awesome as ever.
A few bits of corny dialogue? Yes.
Sprinkles of hamminess? Yes.
Do those points negate the flick? Absolutely not.
I do have an issue or two with the storytelling but will save those for later.
Overall, entertaining, very much worth a look at the theatre.
Its like this episode is a giant saltine that cleanses the palate that was tainted with the prequel.
Yes, have some...
Title: Re: The Movie Review Thread
Post by: cflnut on December 18, 2015, 08:20:21 PM
Quote from: Crewe on December 18, 2015, 03:43:41 AM
Force Awakens
Lets see, can I be spoiler free?
Yes.
Much much much better cast than the prequels, I cannot stress this enough. With that, there was one I had issue with, but ill wait until everyone sees it.
Much much much better directing.
The score is just as awesome as ever.
A few bits of corny dialogue? Yes.
Sprinkles of hamminess? Yes.
Do those points negate the flick? Absolutely not.
I do have an issue or two with the storytelling but will save those for later.
Overall, entertaining, very much worth a look at the theatre.
Its like this episode is a giant saltine that cleanses the palate that was tainted with the prequel.
Yes, have some...

I completely agree with everything said in this post.

It was well worth seeing in the theatre, and doesn't feel as "Rushed" as the prequels did. Definitely not a let down.
Title: Re: The Movie Review Thread
Post by: TheNorm on December 18, 2015, 11:58:05 PM
Thank you both for keeping it spoiler free-can't wait to see this next week! Basically staying clear of all social media until I get to see this movie.
Title: Re: The Movie Review Thread
Post by: Crewe on December 19, 2015, 10:10:57 PM
Yes, that too.
Norm, i saw the first teaser and the first trailer, after that, never read or saw anything else.
Title: Re: The Movie Review Thread
Post by: thaima1shu on December 21, 2015, 12:43:56 PM
Yeah do what you can to avoid social media and all that. There's lots of idiots spoiling Star Wars in random places.

I absolutely loved it. Pretty much agreed with every point Crewe mentioned. I cannot wait to see it again.
Title: Re: The Movie Review Thread
Post by: cflnut on December 21, 2015, 02:48:54 PM
That's why I wanted to go early, to avoid any spoilers.

Got a co-worker that's a Star Wars nut, and over lunch today he's out lined the entire story line of it, and didn't care that some people haven't seen it yet.
Title: Re: The Movie Review Thread
Post by: thaima1shu on December 21, 2015, 04:10:17 PM
Your co-worker is a jerk.
Title: Re: The Movie Review Thread
Post by: TheNorm on December 21, 2015, 11:00:24 PM
Star Wars: The Force Awakens
Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Adam Driver, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Oscar Isaac

Keeping this as spoiler free as possible, so short and sweet: this more than makes up for 1-3, and I can't wait to see what comes next. I'm not as worried about this franchise with it in JJ Abrams' hands now. Just go see it. Only problem is I ran into the same problem I had with the theatre for Inside Out: it got really dusty at certain points. :)

5 out of 5
Title: Re: The Movie Review Thread
Post by: rollntider on December 21, 2015, 11:26:19 PM
seeing it this weekend..
Title: Re: The Movie Review Thread
Post by: cflnut on December 21, 2015, 11:58:25 PM
Then we can talk spoilers next week. I'd like to see everyones opinion on a few of the events.
Title: Re: The Movie Review Thread
Post by: Crewe on December 22, 2015, 12:02:57 AM
Quote from: cflnut on December 21, 2015, 02:48:54 PM
That's why I wanted to go early, to avoid any spoilers.

Got a co-worker that's a Star Wars nut, and over lunch today he's out lined the entire story line of it, and didn't care that some people haven't seen it yet.

What an absolute ass!
Took me over ten years to finally watch the Sixth Sense because a co worker turd did that very thing to me.
Glad you liked it norm, knew you would.
Thai, nice to know im not the only one adept at avoidance lol
Title: Re: The Movie Review Thread
Post by: rollntider on December 27, 2015, 01:53:38 AM
Saw it today guys...

A few things....

I give it a 4 out of 5

I thought it was A new Hope rebooted. That isnt a bad thing.

A few things they could have done to make it better.

Have more Poe, great character and the actor did it Justice.

Felt Leia was an afterthought instead of a main character


Spoiler thoughts :)
Spoiler

To make it better continued:
Leave Kilo Ren's mask on, it took away the mystique when he pulled it off and yahoo Serious is behind the mask.

Have a reason for Kilo Ren to wear the mask other than to look cool.

I loved the Fin Character, but he is not a Jedi and why is he able to wield it? You never saw that unless you were a Jedi or some machine Hybrid like Greivous.

I felt Rey "learned" her powers too quick. Its like she was equal to a Sith lord after 15 minutes... seems off

Would have loved to see Luke sooner, but I guess since Han was going, they did not want to saturate the time with too many old stars.

those are some of the minor irks i had with it. It had enough of funny in it, the story telling was good and plenty of action.

Why is it a new hope rebooted?
Empire Invades Camp/Ship to intercept plans? Check
Droid escapes with plans to be intercepted by some smuggler/scrapper who happens to take them to the correct people? Check
Empire chasing droid that has plans? Check
Darth Whomever capture person to interrogate? Check
Giant planet/star to destroy planets? Check
Old Important man killed by Evil Darth? Check
Jedi goes on sabbatical after his apprentice turns evil? Check

I could go on and on, but it was nicely done and I did love it. It was like the old saying history repeats itself.

It seemed to be one of the most action packed movies in a very very long time.
The new Empire is more evil it seems compared to the old empire. They gave it a Nazi vibe, not a Nazi fan but love the look of the Empire though, I guess cause it was part of my childhood. They really made the Empire seem cutthroat compared to the first 6 movies.

I could go on but those were first initial impressions and I want more.
Title: Re: The Movie Review Thread
Post by: Crewe on December 27, 2015, 03:41:54 AM
Spoiler

I had that very thought about ANH rebooted, however, after the movie marinated, I feel that JJ had to keep it in the box to win back the fans and thats why I said I think they have so much flexibility now moving forward.
The mask coming off was a great move IMO. He idolizes his grandfather and the mask allows him to become his hero.
Rey obviously has the power of the force, hence the force awakens, and untapped resources but I find it believable that she can handle herself already and once she begins to accept the force her natural abilities are empowered. She wasnt equal to a Sith lord; Ren is nowhere near a Sith lord. I thought JJ demonstrated perfectly that Ren has not tamed his piwers, hence his unstableness and outbursts. Add to that he has never been confronted, hence, tested, against a natural enemy. I find his physical skill level to be equal to Finn and Rey
As for Finn and the saber, I have no answer but Im confident it will ve addressed.
Leia was not to be a main character.
I agree kind of, with your assessment about Luke, but I think the story dictates him not being in this film physically, although he was the driving plot.
When I said initially there was one character that didnt fit...for me, it was Poe.
He couldnt deliver his lines well, and they came off cheesy, like when taunting Ren about the mask and coming up with Finn's name...I was actually glad he died, but then of course, he didnt.
Not a movie killer though, just didnt think he was right.

My additional thoughts;
I thought Chewbacca stole this film.
Han was not overused and seamlessly passed the torch.
I love love LOVE the fact that JJ builds sets, uses minuatures, special effects and puppeteers ala ep IV, V, VI.
The prequels were green screened to hell by Lucas and the actors werent good enough to stand on a huge set with no reference and act within George's vision. Thats a big part of my dislike for the prequels.
Why are they called the resistance? When we left ROTJ, balance was restored. How did the First Order rise above again? Seems they would be the resistance? Think im missing something here but ill see it again Tuesday.
My biggest irk of VII was when everyone returned to base after Han died and Leia completely dissed Chewie. You would think that with the mutual history she wouldve shared some gesture with her love's best friend ever.
Bitch.
That still pisses me off lol

Glad you liked it, and I know what you mean, despite what ever flaws we find, it is still a well done, entertaining flick. Safe to say the galaxy is in good hands.







Title: Re: The Movie Review Thread
Post by: rollntider on December 27, 2015, 02:30:16 PM
Spoiler

Good points you bring up.

I agree Han was used correctly.
The movie style was great, I guess I never noticed the miniatures vs Green screen before.... great point.
I feel Poe and Rey together made up a full Luke. X Wing Pilot + Jedi person. We can disagree, but I think they kinda threw him at us Quick as a central character.
I missed the Leia dis, will have to rewatch and catch that.

One thing I wanted more of was the Silver Trooper, can't remember her name, but I think she is the Game of thrones actress Brean of Tarth (sp)

Title: Re: The Movie Review Thread
Post by: Crewe on December 27, 2015, 03:12:37 PM
Spoiler

re: Poe; by that i mean the actor portraying him, not the character. Still didnt hurt the movie for me, but its like any list, somebody has to be last.
On the Leia thing, I just thought she couldve made some sort of overture.
Yes! You are correct it is the actress from GoT

Title: Re: The Movie Review Thread
Post by: Crewe on December 29, 2015, 06:56:57 PM
Saw it for the second time today and ... enjoyed it just as much if not more than the first time.
I cannot stress how scintillating this cast is when compared to the prequels. Carrying every emotion that was sorely missed in I,II & III
See this flick.
I am truly as interested to see the next installment as I was in 77 and 80.
Spoiler

Did you catch the nod when Finn was scrounging for parts on the Falcon and came across the orb Luke used to train with in Ep IV?
Thought that was nice.
I warmed up to Poe this time, although my thoughts on him still stand.
Carrie Fisher looks much better in person, I don't understand why they made her look so awful in this flick. Usually its the other way around.
And yea tider, this dis to Chewbacca still pisses me off, immensely. I cannot fathom how such a great effort could overlook a pivotal moment like that. Abrahms isn't big on directors cuts but I really hope its corrected. If not now, perhaps addressed in the next one, assuming it will pick up right where this one leaves off.
Seeing it the second time, I'm even more convinced Ren's mask should have come off. I thought it was executed perfectly. The point is, he is not Vader. Just my .02
I think its a wonderful presentation in all areas.
Title: Re: The Movie Review Thread
Post by: Crewe on December 30, 2015, 03:25:39 AM
Quote from: TheNorm on December 02, 2015, 11:42:37 PM
Creed
Michael B. Jordan, Sylvester Stallone, Tessa Thompson

Plain and simple, if you loved most of the Rocky movies (no one liked 5 lol) then you'll enjoy this one. Stallone still delivers as Rocky, but now he's coaxed into training a new guy: Adonis Johnson, which as you can figure out by the name of the movie, is the son of Apollo Creed. Michael B. Jordan's performance is incredible, and that shouldn't come as a shock to anyone that saw him in the last two seasons of NBC's Friday Night Lights. This is a movie worthy of the Rocky universe. You'll also get to find out who actually won the third fight between Apollo and Rocky, I thought that was a nice touch. :)

4.5 out of 5

Saw this one and agree. Stallone just gets overlooked as an action hero, but this guy is a good actor and he has Rocky down cold. I liked Rocky Balboa a little better, but I love this one for expanding the Rocky universe. I thought the boxing scenes were more realistic and mirrored a true boxing match....seemed cleaner, and the anniyncing was tighter as well.
Title: Re: The Movie Review Thread
Post by: Crewe on January 03, 2016, 01:20:45 AM
Trainwreck
Amy Schumer Bill Hader

Lets get this out of the way; I dont find Apatow to be the god everyone says he is but I do like Schumer, who wrote this film.
That said, its your cookie cutter rom com. The first half hour or so just feels like a platform for Amy to tell jokes, hardly intriguing, and if you are a fan of John Cena, you wont be after witnessing his sex scene with Schumer.
I dont thin Cena is a terribly tragic actor, but his character was just awful and it was almost turning off the tv bad, but, I was reading a book on my tablet through some of it so, I made it. I get the idea of making it painful to watch to advance the characters, but dear God that was awful.
Lebron James played the best friend, one of Haders former patients, and along with the other two, thank King James for adding to the save. He mightve had the best part in this film.
Spoiler
the intervention scene with Chris Evert and Matthew Broderick was on its way to being a winner until Marv "bite me" Albert was introduced. Talk about a scene killer. I cant fathom why Apatow thought that would be even remotely funny.
Amy does show a bit of range in her first feature and while it was far from a laugh fest, it did have its high points. Colin Quinn and Bill Hader were surprisingly good and thankfully saved this film.
Everywhere I look, people fawn all over this flick and I just dont get it.
It always felt like Amy believes her own press and just created a stand up routine for herself through a decent portion of the movie.
And that ending, seriously??
At the end of the day, there were some good jokes and quotes, but not enough to make me want to see it again

3/5
Title: Re: The Movie Review Thread
Post by: Crewe on January 13, 2016, 11:20:12 AM
Saw TFA again, 3rd time now and it is still a blast. per the norm, I pick up on things I never noticed before, and gain a better understanding of plot lines and potential future stories
I've said this a few times, but worth mentioning again, these actors carry the emotion of the characters extremely well. See it. If you have, see it again.
Title: Re: The Movie Review Thread
Post by: TheNorm on February 02, 2016, 10:03:26 PM
Straight Outta Compton
O'Shea Jackson Jr., Jason Mitchell, Corey Hawkins, Aldis Hodge, Neil Brown Jr., Paul Giamatti

Tells the story of how NWA got together and helped change rap and hip-hop with the release of their album Straight Outta Compton (dating myself here: had that on cassette and I wore the tape out back in the day). Covers a lot of things that the band had to deal with (treatment by the police, Jerry Heller screwing the band on their album deal) as well as their breakup and the entrance of Suge Knight into the picture (that dude is crazy as f*ck). Also pretty much ignores some of the other stuff in the band's history like Dee Barnes and their treatment of women in their lyrics. But overall still a great movie though.

4 out of 5
Title: Re: The Movie Review Thread
Post by: rollntider on February 18, 2016, 10:05:43 PM
Dead Friggin Pool  - Totally go see it. 4.5 out of 5
Title: Re: The Movie Review Thread
Post by: TheNorm on May 08, 2016, 12:48:14 PM
Captain America: Civil War
Chris Evans, Robert Downey Jr., Sebastian Stan, Anthony Mackie, Scarlett Johansson, Chadwick Boseman, Elizabeth Olsen

This is what a superhero movie should be. Perfect casting, and an incredible story. For the record, I was always Team Cap before the movie and still am now...but the movie really does make you think a good long time about both sides. This may very well be the best movie in the MCU, even topping Winter Soldier for me. Go see the movie already!

5 out of 5
Title: Re: The Movie Review Thread
Post by: rollntider on May 11, 2016, 01:11:14 AM
Quote from: TheNorm on May 08, 2016, 12:48:14 PM
Captain America: Civil War
Chris Evans, Robert Downey Jr., Sebastian Stan, Anthony Mackie, Scarlett Johansson, Chadwick Boseman, Elizabeth Olsen

This is what a superhero movie should be. Perfect casting, and an incredible story. For the record, I was always Team Cap before the movie and still am now...but the movie really does make you think a good long time about both sides. This may very well be the best movie in the MCU, even topping Winter Soldier for me. Go see the movie already!

5 out of 5

What he said.
Title: Re: The Movie Review Thread
Post by: rollntider on April 14, 2017, 10:53:45 AM
Quote from: thaima1shu on August 24, 2015, 12:35:30 PM
Loved Inside Out. I think it's one of my favorite movies that Pixar has ever made.



Loved it, watched it last week
Title: Re: The Movie Review Thread
Post by: TheNorm on July 01, 2017, 12:10:49 PM
Wonder Woman
Gal Gadot, Chris Pine, Robin Wright, David Thewlis

It's amazing how much better a DC Universe movie can be when Zack Snyder has as little as possible to do with it. An origin story along the lines of Captain America: The First Avenger, Gadot absolutely kills the part. Best DCU movie since the Nolan Batman trilogy.

4.25 out of 5
Title: Re: The Movie Review Thread
Post by: rollntider on July 01, 2017, 05:58:00 PM
Glad to hear it, I was about to write off DC
Title: Re: The Movie Review Thread
Post by: Crewe on July 03, 2017, 06:59:29 PM
Quote from: TheNorm on July 01, 2017, 12:10:49 PM
Wonder Woman
Gal Gadot, Chris Pine, Robin Wright, David Thewlis

It's amazing how much better a DC Universe movie can be when Zack Snyder has as little as possible to do with it. An origin story along the lines of Captain America: The First Avenger, Gadot absolutely kills the part. Best DCU movie since the Nolan Batman trilogy.

4.25 out of 5

It's certainly worth seeing and I too think Gadot not only looked the part, she also turned out a wonderful performance that could have easily made this a so so film.
Title: Re: The Movie Review Thread
Post by: Luggnutz on July 06, 2017, 03:34:45 PM
Quote from: Crewe on July 03, 2017, 06:59:29 PM
Quote from: TheNorm on July 01, 2017, 12:10:49 PM
Wonder Woman
Gal Gadot, Chris Pine, Robin Wright, David Thewlis

It's amazing how much better a DC Universe movie can be when Zack Snyder has as little as possible to do with it. An origin story along the lines of Captain America: The First Avenger, Gadot absolutely kills the part. Best DCU movie since the Nolan Batman trilogy.

4.25 out of 5

It's certainly worth seeing and I too think Gadot not only looked the part, she also turned out a wonderful performance that could have easily made this a so so film.

I believe Gal Gadot's Wonder Woman will be like Hugh Jackman's Wolverine. Hard to replace.
I was very impressed with her performance in this film.
Title: Re: The Movie Review Thread
Post by: Sakura on July 06, 2017, 07:07:39 PM
Quote from: rollntider on July 01, 2017, 05:58:00 PM
Glad to hear it, I was about to write off DC
Considering what the other DCCU movies look like, I'd say "you might want to anyway."  As much as I like Jason Momoa, I think that his Aqua man looks just awful.  Affleck's Batman is pretty underwhelming, and Superman .. I don't think there's ever going to be a Superman who doesn't make me think "this guy ain't Superman."  But maybe I just hate Superman so much that I inherently dislike Superman projects.  I just think that he's a bland and boring character.

Who are they using for the Justice League?  I know the current Avengers composition never existed in the comics, and they were even contemplating removing Tony Stark completely for the Avengers movies, which is why it comes up in Iron Man 2.    The original Justice League was Superman, Batman, Aquaman, Flash, Green Lantern, Martian Manhunter, and Wonder Woman.  Green Lantern was Ryan Reynolds, so are they going to reboot that, actually use that, or just completely write that one off?  Is there a Flash movie character so far?  Momoa's Aquaman looks like a weird S&M freak.  Has there been an establishment for Martian Manhunter?

And then there's the aspect of "what are they going to rip off of the MCU?"  If they do a Flash movie, how much of it is going to be traditional Flash, and how much of it is going to be trying to replicate Quicksilver's scenes from the new X-Men movies?  Also as much as people love to compliment and say how awesome Wonder Woman was, I'm going to make a criticism that I wish other people would make, which is the bracer bullet blocking thing.  Come on, that's the laziest thing, she barely even moves her wrists, like somehow she's blocking these bullets, and she's moving so slowly to do it...  Can she see two seconds into the future or something?  You try blocking a bullet like that and see how it works out.  And what's worse, she has a shield, but she's still blocking these bullets with her bracers.. Why?

More attention to detail and care needs to be taken, because the little things like that should not be just ignored.
Title: Re: The Movie Review Thread
Post by: rollntider on July 07, 2017, 01:39:23 AM
Quote from: Luggnutz on July 06, 2017, 03:34:45 PM
I believe Gal Gadot's Wonder Woman will be like Hugh Jackman's Wolverine. Hard to replace.
I was very impressed with her performance in this film.

Hearing that alot, hear it is really good and she killed it.


(https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/45/f0/82/45f082f78c08f83e47fca26ffa151e0a.jpg)



Quote from: Sakura on July 06, 2017, 07:07:39 PM
Considering what the other DCCU movies look like, I'd say "you might want to anyway."  As much as I like Jason Momoa, I think that his Aqua man looks just awful.  Affleck's Batman is pretty underwhelming, and Superman .. I don't think there's ever going to be a Superman who doesn't make me think "this guy ain't Superman."  But maybe I just hate Superman so much that I inherently dislike Superman projects.  I just think that he's a bland and boring character.

Who are they using for the Justice League?  I know the current Avengers composition never existed in the comics, and they were even contemplating removing Tony Stark completely for the Avengers movies, which is why it comes up in Iron Man 2.    The original Justice League was Superman, Batman, Aquaman, Flash, Green Lantern, Martian Manhunter, and Wonder Woman.  Green Lantern was Ryan Reynolds, so are they going to reboot that, actually use that, or just completely write that one off?  Is there a Flash movie character so far?  Momoa's Aquaman looks like a weird S&M freak.  Has there been an establishment for Martian Manhunter?

And then there's the aspect of "what are they going to rip off of the MCU?"  If they do a Flash movie, how much of it is going to be traditional Flash, and how much of it is going to be trying to replicate Quicksilver's scenes from the new X-Men movies?  Also as much as people love to compliment and say how awesome Wonder Woman was, I'm going to make a criticism that I wish other people would make, which is the bracer bullet blocking thing.  Come on, that's the laziest thing, she barely even moves her wrists, like somehow she's blocking these bullets, and she's moving so slowly to do it...  Can she see two seconds into the future or something?  You try blocking a bullet like that and see how it works out.  And what's worse, she has a shield, but she's still blocking these bullets with her bracers.. Why?

More attention to detail and care needs to be taken, because the little things like that should not be just ignored.

I am willing to give Aquaman a shot, Affleck to me could not act like he was on fire if you doused him in gas and threw a match at him. Superman is just too op. It was fine in the 40's when no one knew any better.

As for the DC universe, my dislike for Affleck has kept me from enjoying the new batman. I hate Christian Bale also, but dude killed the batman role. He can at least act. Plus that Joker movie is probably the best superhero movie ever.  Suicide squad was an abortion of a movie. The introduced every character and did their back story, so now we have 15 minutes of plot and now we love each other as a team. The best actor Will Smith could not save the movie. Margot was actually decent.  Joker got more screen time in the commercials than he did in the movie, which is a good thing because he looked like a dude trying to outdo heath ledger. Diablo could have been a decent character but they crapped the bed with him. Plus that ending was like,  not sure how we going to end this so lets not change our formula for this crappy movie and make it suck . It was as bad as Spiderman 3 or that last Fantastic 4 movie.

I agree on the flash movie, it will probably be a rip off of Xmen, which I think they did a good job with the last 3 movies.

I look forward to seeing WW, I still have the bad taste of Suicide squad in my mouth.
Title: Re: The Movie Review Thread
Post by: Crewe on July 07, 2017, 03:51:47 PM
Suicide squad was just not a good flick
Title: Re: The Movie Review Thread
Post by: Sakura on July 07, 2017, 06:15:46 PM
Quote from: Crewe on July 07, 2017, 03:51:47 PM
Suicide squad was just not a good flick
Gotta admit though, it was pretty ballsy to try and turn their cinematic universe into an R-rated universe when they saw how Deadpool make bank.  It was funny, everyone was thinking that THAT is what people wanted, was for more R-rated comic book movies.  They took the completely WRONG THING away from the whole thing.  Yes, people want more like Deadpool...  But it wasn't the swearing, nudity and gore that they wanted.  It was the fact that the movie didn't take itself way too seriously (or .. at all).  Also you didn't have PR people trying to insist that the movie was created as a vehicle for the LGBT movement (like they're doing with the new X-Men films).

From what I recall, the Juggalo Joker from Suicide Squad was actually Jared Leto's doing.  He wanted the green hair, and the gold teeth, and the tattoos, etc.
Title: Re: The Movie Review Thread
Post by: Crewe on July 07, 2017, 07:27:15 PM
I tend to agree
Title: Re: The Movie Review Thread
Post by: TheNorm on July 07, 2017, 08:49:17 PM
Spider-Man: Homecoming
Tom Holland, Robert Downey Jr., Marisa Tomei, Michael Keaton, Zendaya

I feel so much better about Spidey now that it's in the hands of the MCU and not whatever the hell Sony's been doing with it...and I'm so glad they skipped the whole origin story (we get it already). This movie takes place in the MCU right after the events of Civil War. Movie is well done, and Tom Holland just nails it as a Peter Parker/Spider-Man that's learning the ropes and also trying to navigate high school. Michael Keaton is incredible as the big bad in this one too, and IMO he's one of the best villains I've seen written in awhile, he's not one-dimensional. Go check it out, and soon.

4.75 out of 5
Title: Re: The Movie Review Thread
Post by: Sakura on July 07, 2017, 10:44:31 PM
Quote from: TheNorm on July 07, 2017, 08:49:17 PMI feel so much better about Spidey now that it's in the hands of the MCU and not whatever the hell Sony's been doing with it...and I'm so glad they skipped the whole origin story (we get it already).
Oh, did they finally get that crap all sorted out?  Maybe I'll see it after all.  I'd say "thankfully Image comics didn't fall into the same trap," but let's be honest, no one wants to make a friggin Spawn movie other than Todd McFarlane.
Title: Re: The Movie Review Thread
Post by: rollntider on July 08, 2017, 02:21:01 PM
Michael Keaton is a good actor. I can't wait to see this.
Title: Re: The Movie Review Thread
Post by: TheNorm on August 22, 2017, 10:57:53 PM
Dunkirk
Fionn Whitehead, Cillian Murphy, Tom Hardy, Kenneth Branagh, Harry Styles, Mark Rylance, Jack Lowden

As usual, Director Christopher Nolan delivers a masterpiece. This is about the evacuation of British troops from the French mainland in 1940, as the German armed forces have them surrounded. It's intense from start to finish, and also short for a Nolan film, clocking in at around 2 hours. Go check it out.

4.75 out of 5
Title: Re: The Movie Review Thread
Post by: TheNorm on November 03, 2017, 01:27:02 AM
Baby Driver
Ansel Elgort, Lily James, Eiza Gonzalez, Jon Hamm, Jamie Foxx, Kevin Spacey

Director Edgar Wright (Shaun of the Dead, Scott Pilgrim vs. The World) tackles the car chase/crime caper genre and does a pretty damn good job with it. Baby is about a getaway driver that operates by his own soundtrack (which is explained in the film). He's working for a crime boss to pay off what he stole from that boss years before, and Baby's eager to get out of the business since he met the girl of his dreams. Dialogue was pretty good throughout although there are maybe a couple dull moments, and the cinematography (especially during the car chase scenes) is phenomenal. Enjoyable soundtrack too...and as a side note, I really miss my iPod Classic.
As for the recent elephant in the room, one Kevin Spacey. I watched this movie a few days ago, right before the allegations against him started dropping (and haven't stopped as I write this). He's not in it much, but his character is pivotal. If you can watch and set a line between the character and the actor, then by all means you need to check out this movie. But if you can't, I completely get that too.

4 out of 5

PS: Don't believe me? Just watch this opening clip unless you don't want to get spoiled...I could watch this clip over and over.



Title: Re: The Movie Review Thread
Post by: Crewe on November 19, 2017, 03:05:33 AM
I watched this based solely on your suggestion because before I didn't think I'd like it and still wasn't sure what it was, genre wise.
Spoiler
i was afraid it would be over the top with cartoon characters. The cinematography was quite good. I really like the long tracking shot during the first coffee run. It's not Goodfellas, but good. The storytelling in this flick surprised me quite a bit, although it did morph into the popcorn generic action flick in the final act.
I did like the ending...good, bad, good with a sour twist.
I thought they overplayed the showdown at the diner and the garage but I can live with it overall oh and I hate Jamie flippin Foxx, but despite his punchable face, he did a great job here. Spacey? I mean, what do you do, guy has some great performances, but he's a shitheel to be sure.
Title: Re: The Movie Review Thread
Post by: thaima1shu on November 20, 2017, 12:08:47 PM
Saw Justice League. I hated Batman vs. Superman but loved Wonder Woman. I went into this with super low expectations but actually came away from it pretty surprised. It wasn't a great movie, but it was entertaining and provided some good laughs. A few corny lines and the story had some weird points to it, but overall I laughed quite a bit and there were some insanely cool parts.

Spoiler
Absolutely loved the scene when Superman was fighting the Justice League. Showed how incredibly powerful he truly is. When The Flash is trying to get around him while he's holding off the other three, and Superman just slowly turns his head to watch The Flash...my god that was one of the most badass moments I've seen.
Title: Re: The Movie Review Thread
Post by: Sakura on November 20, 2017, 01:06:37 PM
Quote from: thaima1shu on November 20, 2017, 12:08:47 PM
Saw Justice League. I hated Batman vs. Superman but loved Wonder Woman. I went into this with super low expectations but actually came away from it pretty surprised. It wasn't a great movie, but it was entertaining and provided some good laughs. A few corny lines and the story had some weird points to it, but overall I laughed quite a bit and there were some insanely cool parts.

Spoiler
Absolutely loved the scene when Superman was fighting the Justice League. Showed how incredibly powerful he truly is. When The Flash is trying to get around him while he's holding off the other three, and Superman just slowly turns his head to watch The Flash...my god that was one of the most badass moments I've seen.
Yeah, it was pretty impressive when they did that same scene in X-Men Apocalypse first.  :D
Title: Re: The Movie Review Thread
Post by: thaima1shu on November 20, 2017, 01:19:20 PM
Quote from: Sakura on November 20, 2017, 01:06:37 PM
Yeah, it was pretty impressive when they did that same scene in X-Men Apocalypse first.  :D

I don't think the scene in Apocalypse holds a candle to how it was executed in Justice League.
Title: Re: The Movie Review Thread
Post by: BojackHorsefella on November 20, 2017, 03:55:04 PM
Yeah, you know, I keep seeing people compare that scene to the one in Apocalypse and they're both so different, both in concerns to the actions being performed, the context and the tone. Apocalypse just gets whupped for a moment and then recovers to break Quicksilver's leg.

Anyways, my son and I are the weirdos who, while acknowledging that Suicide Squad is a terrible FILM and full of plot holes, we were entertained and enjoyed it. It's not Ipsen, but that doesn't automatically mean it's boring or dull.

I felt the same about Justice League. Look, there's no way in hell this movie is worse than Thor: The Dark World. It just isn't. I get the DC hate, I get the movie is an absolute tonal mess, between the cut scenes and Whedon's reshoots. But it's fun. it's enjoyable. I liked it and I know when my son sees it he's going to flip out and enjoy it.
Title: Re: The Movie Review Thread
Post by: Sakura on November 22, 2017, 04:03:14 PM
Okay, I get that you might have not hated this movie.  But it's no secret that DC's failed movie attempts for the last 10 years have been failures.  They're trying so hard to copy the Marvel in the most formulaic fashion, it's a real surprise that they haven't just tried to merge the movie brands together where Iron Man and Superman end up in a fight.  This movie is considered ANOTHER failure, the only movie that's worked in the DC Cinematic Universe thus far is Wonder Woman.  DC is where movie studios have been for the last 20 years, thinking there's a formula to guarantee a movie's success.  The right actor, the right costume, the right hit song just before the third act with the giant metal spider...

The new X-Men movies have Quicksilver doing this Deus Ex Machina crap, where he moves so fast that everything else is halted and we watch things at a super fast speed.  It's something different for a superhero movie because traditionally you wouldn't see this, you would just see him zipping by and being fast.  It's not conventional.  The FBI scene in Daze of Future Pants, the Mansion Rescue, and even the Apocalypse fight.

Rather than make things traditionally where the Flash is just seen as doing things fast, they decide to try and copy the Quicksilver scenes with super slow mo that only The Flash can move at.  And it's no surprise that Superman watching The Flash with his eyes struck people as being the same as Apocalypse spotting Quicksilver, and how they both countered the super speed with their own power which is at normal speed.  The Avengers had a Quicksilver too, and they didn't copy the X-Men version, they went with traditional Quicksilver where he's just so fast you can't really see him moving.  You can interpret that any way you want, but people aren't just being misguided when they say that DC is really doing their best to try and throw crap at the wall and see what sticks.  Hell, I can even understand why people would compare Cyborg to Iron Man.  In the comics Cyborg doesn't fly, he doesn't have that ability.  But yet in this movie .. yeah, it looks like Iron Man has been copied in another formulaic attempt.  We need to make him quippy, and witty, and brilliant like Tony Stark, because we don't have that in our Cinematic Universe...

People are making the comparisons because it's easy to make them when a company continues to try and copy the competition in desperation.  Because thus far the DCCU is a giant money hole.
Title: Re: The Movie Review Thread
Post by: BojackHorsefella on January 04, 2018, 05:30:57 PM
Here's my review of Molly's Game, via Letterboxd (you're welcome Crewe)

https://letterboxd.com/bucfever/film/mollys-game/
Title: Re: The Movie Review Thread
Post by: Crewe on January 04, 2018, 05:58:34 PM
Oh God, Costner infiltrated this flick? jesus that guy....
ok, so no theatre watch for me, thanks dude!
Title: Re: The Movie Review Thread
Post by: BojackHorsefella on January 04, 2018, 06:54:10 PM
Like I said in the other thread, my opinion appears to be in the minority on this one, but this thing felt almost Lifetime-ish to me.
Title: Re: The Movie Review Thread
Post by: Crewe on January 22, 2018, 02:05:24 PM
Molly's Game
Jessica Chastain

I heard good things about this flick, but kept my hopes tempered.
The story by itself is quite interesting. An overachieving family where an Olympian is not a novelty but expected. Molly was en route but an injury sidelined her for good.
In possession of a bachelor's degree with sights set on Harvard Law School, she decides to be a bottle service girl in LA where she intends to build a network. This, the movie says, is Molly's strength.
After accepting a second job as an office assistant she discovers her boss runs a highs takes poker game for entertainment heavies.
Molly is thrust into hosting these games that she knows nothing about.
Becoming a quick study she ultimately establishes her own big time game.
The story jumps back and forth in time, from childhood scenes showing resentment for her father played in an awful manner by Kevin Costner.
This becomes the underlying theme behind the main plot which is Molly fighting for herself all the while holding on to the nobility of not naming any of the big time players in her games after being busted by the FBI.
Throughout, we are subjected to Sorkin's rapid repartee between characters, most obvious between Chastain and her attorney Idris Elba, which just doesn't blend well with me. It is extremely quick and witty but not becoming the characters.
We know its a true story, but the way the movie was presented, it just appears that Chastain's Bloom bridges the gap between novice and pro too quickly and too easily. Perhaps thats only a subjective complaint.
All in all, its a good flick shining a light on underground poker games and Molly is certainly a provocative subject but perhaps Sorkin wasn't the best director for this project.

It's worth a watch but I dint find it as riveting as others. It's not really fun like a comedy, nor is it riveting like a thriller, certainly not thought provoking but just sort of interesting.
Chastain does a great job with Sorkin's script as does Elbra, but I just feel like it didnt reach its potential.
I realize thats a blah sort of review but you'll just have to decide for yourself.

3.5/5

Title: Re: The Movie Review Thread
Post by: TheNorm on February 16, 2018, 07:20:54 PM
Black Panther
Chadwick Boseman, Michael B. Jordan, Lupita Nyong'o, Danai Gurira, Angela Bassett

When I first heard that Ryan Coogler (Fruitvale Station, Creed) was directing this film for the MCU, my expectations and excitement for Black Panther went through the roof. I wasn't disappointed. Taking place right after the events of Civil War, T'Challa returns to Wakanda to take his place on the throne. But a man by the name of Erik Killmonger has plans of his own for the hidden nation. Boseman is an amazing T'Challa, while Coogler veteran Jordan turns in a stellar performance as Killmonger. The movie also sheds light on social justice and opens up discussions about what civilized countries could or should do for other nations less fortunate. This may be my new favorite in the MCU, although I may have to give it a few days...and multiple viewings. Go see it, as soon as possible. Infinity War has a lot to live up to.

5 out of 5
Title: Re: The Movie Review Thread
Post by: thaima1shu on February 21, 2018, 11:46:31 AM
Watched this one twice on Sunday and loved every minute of it. Awesome characters all around and an amazing villain in Killmonger. Could not recommend this enough.
Title: Re: The Movie Review Thread
Post by: BojackHorsefella on March 30, 2018, 01:06:07 PM
So I've been using a website called Letterboxd to write movie reviews. Anyone can set up a profile and do reviews, and I think you can make like, end of year lists (or any type of list but that's the go-to) or you know, Favorite Sports Movies or whatever.

Anyway, if there's a new movie out and you're wondering if you should see it, I start with a "Is It Worth It" gimmick that has a simple yes or no answer, and then go into a full review if you require justification for my opinion, which, granted, you probably should because I'm weird.

Anyways, here's a link to my profile if you want to check it out or keep it in mind when a new movie is out:

https://letterboxd.com/Bucfever/

Granted, in the future I think I'll just post the review or the link to the review in this thread, whenever I write a new one. Been a while since I've been to the movies but I've got Pacific Rim, Isle of Dogs (maybe, it's playing in like, ONE theater IN Seattle) and, unfortunately, Ready Player One while my son visits this week.
Title: Re: The Movie Review Thread
Post by: thaima1shu on April 02, 2018, 12:24:47 PM
Saw Ready Player One yesterday and loved it. Really liked the book as well, though I'm glad they made a few changes for the transition to the big screen. Clearly not high class cinema but it was a very fun and visually stunning action movie.
Title: Re: The Movie Review Thread
Post by: BojackHorsefella on April 26, 2019, 12:41:51 PM
Endgame: you will probably not be disappointed, if you've stuck with the MCU thus far.
Title: Re: The Movie Review Thread
Post by: TheNorm on April 27, 2019, 04:43:26 PM
What he said. My god, what a f*cking ride.
Title: Re: The Movie Review Thread
Post by: BojackHorsefella on April 29, 2019, 10:52:38 AM
It's uh....4 days later, and I've already dropped Endgame from a 4-star to a 2.5-star on my Letterbox'd review and dropped it 9 spots in my 2019 rankings.

I had a ticket to see it again yesterday and chose not to. The more I think about it, the less and less I like this movie.
Title: Re: The Movie Review Thread
Post by: Crewe on April 29, 2019, 12:02:37 PM
killjoy
Title: Re: The Movie Review Thread
Post by: BojackHorsefella on April 29, 2019, 02:26:48 PM
Quote from: Crewe on April 29, 2019, 12:02:37 PM
killjoy

I'd deny it but I try to be honest these days.
Title: Re: The Movie Review Thread
Post by: BojackHorsefella on June 11, 2019, 01:17:17 PM
Quote from: Bucfever on April 29, 2019, 10:52:38 AM
It's uh....4 days later, and I've already dropped Endgame from a 4-star to a 2.5-star on my Letterbox'd review and dropped it 9 spots in my 2019 rankings.

I had a ticket to see it again yesterday and chose not to. The more I think about it, the less and less I like this movie.


So, I kept buying a ticket to see this movie again and kept skipping the movie (not like I was losing any money considering AMC Stubs List). I just wasn't sure I wanted to spend another 3 hours in the theater for a movie I'd already seen, plus I had those conflicted feelings.

Well, over a month (and, like, 7 tickets purchased) later, I finally saw it for the second time and enjoyed it much more. I feel like the movie was a lot more consistent than I'd given it credit for, and most of the "plot holes" it genuinely does answer at the start (even some of the, uh, more fantastical elements (still trying to do spoiler-free) make more sense, at least with the rules this movie establishes).


It's my #6 of the year, and I raised it back up to 3.5 stars. I feel this is acceptable.
Title: Re: The Movie Review Thread
Post by: Rigg44 on June 12, 2019, 04:02:52 PM
Did anyone else see Brightburn?

This movie was great in concept but fell just short of greatness.  It was filmed well.  The acting was good.  The story was acceptable.  It just missed the little extra that sets movies apart.  I think its worth a watch but would only give it a 6.5 on a 10 point scale. 

Trailer below if you don't know the movie.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/TTkWoqNN5xg" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>
Title: Re: The Movie Review Thread
Post by: Crewe on June 12, 2019, 06:16:10 PM
I don't get why they release trailers like this, I mean, I feel like I don't even need to see the film now.
Ill add it to my list though, because, you never know  ;)
Title: Re: The Movie Review Thread
Post by: Rigg44 on June 13, 2019, 12:32:14 PM
Quote from: Crewe on June 12, 2019, 06:16:10 PM
I don't get why they release trailers like this, I mean, I feel like I don't even need to see the film now.
Ill add it to my list though, because, you never know  ;)

I agree but in this case, they kinda had to get the point across that its a horror movie.  Didn't want people expecting super hero and taking their kid to it.  At least that's what I expect would be their reasoning.
Title: Re: The Movie Review Thread
Post by: BojackHorsefella on June 13, 2019, 01:01:43 PM
Yeah, and I was surprised by some of the horror elements in Brightburn still. It feels more like a horror film than a "super" type film, which was good, because it could have easily been a less-scary, effects-laden "horror" movie that failed completely.

I liked it for what it was. On its surface, it's a pretty straight forward horror film with the slasher essentially as the main character (although mom obviously does a lot of the heavylifting for the non-super moments). I also like the credits scene that suggests something bigger (and includes a blink and you miss it spotting of Rainn Wilson's character from James Gunn's Super, also an excellent movie).

I think the themes it deals with, themes of entitlement and abuse of power, aren't necessarily anything new, but reshaping them into this teenage boy, around the time of puberty, in 2019 culture provides a further dialogue for the discussion we should be having, although the movie doesn't do much to really explore the questions it's bringing up, because there's killing to be done.

The ending honestly surprised me a bit, mileage will likely vary on that one. Is it worth seeing in a theater? Eh, maybe. Definitely worth at least one watch on Netflix.

But yeah, fortunately I successfully avoided that second trailer because watching it after the film, it revealed a LOT.
Title: Re: The Movie Review Thread
Post by: Rigg44 on May 26, 2020, 03:18:57 PM
Judging from other's reviews of this movie my following review could have been put in the unpopular opinion thread.

Uncut Gems- is an average, at best, film that lacks direction or in the end purpose.

I went into this movie wanting to love it. It had everything on its side, I love Adam Sandler, I love drama, I love seedy underbelly movies but despite all that, it just fell flat.  I had read reviews but no spoilers because I knew I would watch the movie and had intended to see it in theaters.

The plot- is simple and predictable but serviceable. 

The acting- is good but nothing spectacular. This was disappointing since everyone raved about Sandler's performance I thought it would be way outside his box, it wasn't. It felt like him doing a character, again not bad but nothing special. The best performance was put in by his mistress. She did a good job and was believable in her role.

Twists or surprises- there were none.  If the ending was intended to be supprising I don't know why. The whole movie I knew this guy was either ending up in jail or dead, no question.     

This movie is a 6 out of 10.  Serviceable but nowhere near excellent. I am at a loss as to why this had so much buzz.
Title: Re: The Movie Review Thread
Post by: Crewe on May 26, 2020, 05:15:24 PM
I think its the depth of the story arc, the addiction for Howard, the chase, it is essentially a sickness and you keep hoping he will recognize that and come to terms with it, but he lets us and himself down again and again.
I didnt absolutely love it, but I really liked it, a lot and its not going to be in my top ten all time, but I thought it was well above average.
That said, I dont have any qualms with your opinion as I can see how the film could come off like that and honestly, that was my opinion during the first act of the movie.
Title: Re: The Movie Review Thread
Post by: BojackHorsefella on May 26, 2020, 08:01:22 PM
I can get that. My fiancee absolutely hated it, for basically similar reasons, although I was anticipating her disliking it for multiple reasons.

Most of what I read online was it was a mile-a-minute, high intensity, high anxiety inducing movie that "attacks your senses" type of thing, mostly via volume. Probably best seen in, I THINK, when KG's guys are stuck in the security door, and people are shouting, I think there's a phone ringing, just all kinds of things going on. My fiancee haaaaaaaated that aspect of it. I loved it, it was pure chaos and really evoked, cinematically, just how overwhelmed and in over his head this guy is.

And I don't disagree on Julia being more interesting than Howard! There's a great debate about this movie over whether Julia is the real main character of the story, or if perhaps she took the biggest gamble of all by gambling on Howard (whether it was always for the money or actually for love). There's multiple addictions afflicting several characters (KG too). I love how the banter touches on that, the thin line between addiction, obsession and determination (determination is mostly KG, as evidenced by him saying "It's just me and the rock," after Howard's big speech to him earlier in the movie).

There's just so much going on to break down under the surface, I could watch this movie for days and still find new and interesting things to discuss. But, hey, that's why I like movies. Everyone gets something a little different out of them, that's WHY they're interesting.