Flik-Off Reviews

Surviving Jack (2014)

The perfect 90's set show, with modern quality

[10/10 · 17 April 2014]

The first thing that drew me to this show, was the fact that Christopher Meloni stars. I've always been a fan of Law & Order SVU, and after seeing him do Man of Steel, I was wondering where I'd see him next. I saw the commercial for Surviving Jack. At first, I was disappointed that he had moved on to do a sit-com. I was definitely skeptical coming in.

However, I then found out that this series would be set in the early 90's. That got my attention even more, being someone who grew up in those times. I still was expecting a low quality show doomed for cancellation, because the advertisements looked like it was a show that had been done many times over.

I was pleasantly shocked at how great the pilot was. The acting is good, the storyline is funny, and there are enough references from the 90's that will bring joy to anyone looking for some nostalgia. There's a certain book in the pilot which might really bring home how well the crew conveys the 90's setting. The music is also perfect! All in all, I loved the pilot, and will keep watching. This will most certainly be MY replacement for the recently finished How I Met Your Mother.

If you're looking for a relaxing show to relieve stress, and bring a smile to your face, and maybe even some strong nostalgia, then this is the show for you.

Jack the Giant Slayer (2013)

A Worthy Retelling of Jack and the Beanstalk

[21 February 2013]

I just saw this at a special screening and since I'm wring reviews more often, I thought it'd be perfect to share my thoughts on this one. 'Jack the Giant Slayer' is basically just a retelling of Jack and the Giant Beanstalk, with some twists. Think of it kind of like the recent Kristin Stewart film, 'Snow White and the Huntsman'. Except, maybe this one is geared more towards the gentlemen of the crowd, where the former was the opposite. This film is as epic as 'Lord of the Rings', and if you like that kind of thing, you should enjoy this one.

I won't give away anything about the plot but you should already know the idea of what it is. There is not just one giant in this film, there are many, and there are plenty of action sequences to keep you engrossed. Nicholas Hoult plays the lead, and he holds the role well. He can also be seen in 'Warm Bodies'. Bryan Singer directs, and we all know he's responsible for 'X-Men'. Lets just say, the apple doesn't fall far from the beanstalk! I will for sure see this epic fantasy adventure again.

If you've ever played the classic PlayStation One game 'Legend of Dragoon', you'll notice a little resemblance in the war between humans and giants (gigantos in that game). Like I said in my last review- sit back and enjoy the ride, because thats what it's meant to be: not a deep thinking film.

If you think Bryan Singer is incapable of making anything decent after 'Superman Returns', think again- because you don't know jack!

21 & Over (2013)

This is not about blackjack

[19 February 2013]

I caught a special screening of this. If you liked The Hangover, you should like this, if you would like to see a younger version of it. The film is funny, and thats what it's meant to be. It's not trying to be a deep thinking movie, it wants you to sit back and enjoy the ride.

Yes, I prefer American Reunion. But thats just me, and it's probably 75% due to nostalgia. I also prefer Ted, and The Hangover, as well as 21 Jump Street. I know that sounds bad, but I always like older movies better and that is JUST me. 21 and Over is a good movie in it's own way, and I really liked the fact that it shows a little racial diversity and went with an Asian lead. The humour in this film is hit and miss. Some jokes you will laugh hard at, and others you will awkwardly wait to see if anyone else in the theatre laughs at before you follow along.

My only regret is that I didn't spend my 21st birthday like the main character in this film does- I drank two glasses of red wine and spent it with my family in the suburbs. Family is what counts right? Also, don't get this movie confused with the film 21- another great film- this isn't about card counting or playing blackjack. Although thats something a newly 21 year old might do!

The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012)

Authenticity shines bright in this gem

[10/10 · 19 February 2013]

I thought this was my first review ever, but I remember now that I reviewed Pokemon the First Movie two years ago. It is rare that I want to take Ebert's position and review a film. However, this wonderful gem deserves it: the cast, the crew, the writers, everyone involved deserves this review.

First off, Logan Lerman's character is EXACTLY like I was early on in high school, and probably the way a lot of high schoolers are. As I was watching him awkwardly try to find his place, and struggle to raise his hand even when he had an answer, I was just thinking about my time in high school around 2007. The film is so realistic, it's devastating. For instance, the high school dance scene. Charlie (Logan Lerman) saw everyone else dancing, and he slowly eases his way out to the dance floor and starts moving his body as if he's never done that before. Well, I was JUST like that. In fact, I was so bad, I had this one very nice, beautiful girl to fall back on if I couldn't find a dance partner. She'd always let me dance with her and it helped me learn. I'll never forget her.

Anyways, the authenticity of 'Wallflower' kills me. It doesn't rely on unrealistic plot tactics to be interesting, because it ALREADY is more than interesting. The whole cast does their job well, and Emma Watson, just coming off from Harry Potter, PROVES she can do something different- and she does. With flair.

To wrap up this review, let me also tell you that Logan Lerman once gave me acting advice. He's a nice person and I'd love to start seeing him in more. He deserves an Oscar for this film. Another interesting tid-bit, is that he lost the role of Spider-Man to Andrew Garfield. The two films were made around the same time. Looking at 'Perks' and especially when Charlie picks up those glasses, I couldn't help but think how good he COULD have been as the new Spider-Man as well. However, whats done is done, and Andrew Garfield did more than well to prove he deserved it too, so I'm not complaining.

'The Perks of being a Wallflower' proves to us that if you can relate to the characters in a film enough, then you don't need vampires or werewolves or over-convoluted gun-fire to stand out best of the best, above all the rest.

Pokémon: The First Movie - Mewtwo Strikes Back (1998)

History Making Film- A TRUE 90's Masterpiece

[10/10 · 13 September 2011]

I remember everything about the time this history making film came out: I was in elementary school. I loved going to McDonalds (just for the happy meal.) Well, I remember that one happy meal in particular was promoting this film. I'm sure everyone was 'happy' about that. I was. It was all about Pokemon back then. So, like 100 percent of my peers, I was thrilled about this movie.

I do not believe I saw it in a cinema (although I regret this). I did see it as soon as I could though, the moment I saw the movie at Walmart (I was going shopping with my brother and grandma) I just merely pointed to it hinting, and she already knew we had to have it. The moment we got home, my brother and I popped that sucker in and watched every minute of it including Pikachu's Vacation. I'm also pretty sure we got a Pokemon card for free as well.

Let me tell you, it was epic. I'm 19 at the time of typing this, but still have a great love for this film. The music is epic, the storytelling is epic, the cover of the freaking movie is epic. What I don't understand is why this movie has such a low rating. My bet is the low rating stems from adults who never understood Pokemon. They just weren't 90's kids like us so they just don't understand the significance of Pokemon.

The opening theme for this also gave me chills. I didn't know at first if the Pokemon theme song was going to be in the movie, but it was, and remixed. It was well done. I think the music alone is part of what gives the film its magic. Christina Aguilera, M2M, etc, are all such wonderful artists and I'm so glad we had the pleasure of having them in the ending credits. Back then I never cared about the credits for anything, but for this it was different. I watched all the credits. They were interesting. The music makes you want to burst out in tears. Especially now.

A lot of people think that this is nothing but fighting and blah blah blah but I assure you this movie DOES have a message. And besides, whats a movie without some action? It would have been boring without the action. You know it, and I know it.

All in all, I'm giving this a 10. How can I not? It was such a HUGE piece of my childhood. And I'll always respect the franchise- even the newer generations. I hope it never dies. Because I hope kids can enjoy it as much as I did.